When are patent application records available to the public?
Patent application records may be available to the public in the following situations:
- Patented applications and statutory invention registrations
- Published abandoned applications
- Published pending applications
- Unpublished abandoned applications that are identified or relied upon
- Unpublished pending applications whose benefit is claimed
- Unpublished pending applications that are incorporated by reference or otherwise identified
For specific details on each situation, refer to 37 CFR 1.14(a)(1)(i)-(vi).
Topics:
MPEP 102-Information as to Status of an Application,
Patent Law,
Patent Procedure