How are materials submitted under MPEP § 724.02 handled in patent applications?
Materials submitted under MPEP § 724.02 are handled differently depending on whether they are submitted in an original application subject to 35 U.S.C. 122 or in a reissue application or reexamination file open to the public. For original applications: Materials are maintained in a sealed envelope marked ‘Not Open To The Public’ They are not…
Read MoreHow does the USPTO balance full disclosure and protection of sensitive information?
The USPTO strives to maintain a balance between full disclosure of material information and protection of sensitive data. MPEP 724.01 states: The Office attempts to minimize the potential conflict between full disclosure of ‘material’ information as required by 37 CFR 1.56 and protection of trade secret, proprietary, and protective order material to the extent possible.…
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