Can I request partial access to a patent assignment document?

Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based)BlueIron Update: 2024-09-09

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.

No, the USPTO does not allow partial access to patent assignment documents. According to MPEP 301.01:

“The Office will not open only certain parts of an assignment document to public inspection. If such a document contains two or more items, any one of which, if alone, would be open to such inspection, then the entire document will be open.”

This means:

  • If a document covers both a trademark and a patent, it will be entirely available to the public from the beginning.
  • If it covers multiple patent applications, it becomes publicly available as soon as any one of them is published or patented.

The policy ensures transparency and consistency in the handling of assignment documents.

Topics: MPEP 300 - Ownership and Assignment Patent Law Patent Procedure
Tags: assignment documents, public inspection, USPTO policy