What information about patent applications can be disclosed to the public?
The USPTO can disclose limited information about patent applications to the public, as outlined in 37 CFR 1.14(a)(2):
- Whether the application is pending, abandoned, or patented
- Whether the application has been published
- The application’s numerical identifier
- Whether another application claims benefit of the application
This information can only be disclosed if the application is identified in a published patent document or in another application as specified in 37 CFR 1.14(a)(1)(i) through (a)(1)(vi).
Topics:
MPEP 101-General,
Patent Law,
Patent Procedure