How should USPTO employees handle patent applications to ensure confidentiality?
MPEP 101 explains that USPTO employees must take specific measures to ensure the confidentiality of patent applications:
- No part of any application or related paper should be reproduced or copied except for official purposes.
- Application files must not be displayed or handled in a manner that would allow unauthorized persons to inspect them.
- For non-electronic files removed from their storage area, a charge must be promptly made in the tracking system.
- Physical files must be stored properly, not in unsecured locations like desk drawers.
- Interoffice mail related to applications must be sent in appropriate envelopes.
Topics:
MPEP 101-General,
Patent Examining Procedure