Who can submit prior art or written statements to the USPTO for a patent?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-30 10 Rules 5 Related FAQs 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 2203 , any person can submit prior art or written statements to the USPTO for a patent. The MPEP states: “Any person” may be a corporate or governmental entity as well as an individual. “Any person” includes patentees, licensees, reexamination requesters, real parties in interest to the patent owner or requester, persons without a real interest, and persons acting for real parties in interest without a need to identify the real party of interest. This means that individuals, companies, government agencies, and other entities can all submit prior art or written statements, regardless of their relationship to the patent or patent owner. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Patent Owner or Public Can Submit Prior Art MPEP 2203 Permitted Any Person May Cite Prior Art MPEP 2203 Permitted Any Person May Submit Prior Art MPEP 2203 Permitted Real Party Can Use Practitioner to File Anonymously MPEP 2203 Permitted Confidential Submissions Must Prove Patent Owner Received Copy MPEP 2203 Required Certification Requirement for Reexamination Requests MPEP 2203 Certification for Anonymous Reexamination Requests MPEP 2203 Individual Filing Self-Request Must Sign Certification MPEP 2203 Prohibited Examiner Not to Initiate 35 U.S.C. 301 Submissions MPEP 2203 Recommended Patent Examiners Must Decide Patentability MPEP 2203 Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse What are the requirements for a reexamination requester to remain anonymous? What is the proper service requirement for confidential submissions to the USPTO? Can patent examiners submit prior art under 35 U.S.C. 301? Can I submit prior art to the USPTO anonymously? What types of prior art can be su...