Who can grant access to inspect a patent application?
This page is an FAQ based on guidance from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure. It is provided as guidance, with links to the ground truth sources. This is information only: it is not legal advice.
According to MPEP 104, access to inspect a patent application can be granted by specific individuals or entities. For applications filed on or after September 16, 2012, the following parties can provide written authority for access:
- The applicant
- A patent practitioner of record
- The assignee or an assignee of an undivided part interest
- The inventor or a joint inventor
The MPEP states: “The written authority must be signed by: (1) The applicant; (2) A patent practitioner of record; (3) The assignee or an assignee of an undivided part interest; (4) The inventor or a joint inventor; or (5) A registered attorney or agent named in the papers accompanying the application papers filed under §1.53 or the national stage documents filed under §1.495, if a power of attorney has not been appointed under § 1.32.”
For more information on application access, visit: application access.
For more information on power to inspect, visit: power to inspect.
For more information on written authority, visit: written authority.