What information about an unpublished patent application can be given over the phone?
MPEP 101 specifies the following procedure that should be followed before giving any information about an unpublished pending or abandoned patent application over the telephone: Obtain the caller’s full name, the application number, and the caller’s telephone number. Ask if there is an attorney or agent of record. Verify the identity of the caller and…
Read MoreHow 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…
Read MoreCan I access assignment records for unpublished patent applications?
Access to assignment records for unpublished patent applications is restricted. The MPEP states: “For pending or abandoned applications which are not open to the public pursuant to 37 CFR 1.11 or for which copies or access may not be supplied pursuant to 37 CFR 1.14, information related thereto is only obtainable upon a proper showing…
Read More