Are there any exceptions that allow a suspended or excluded patent practitioner to inspect an application?
Yes, there is one exception. A suspended or excluded patent attorney or agent can inspect an application if they are the inventor or applicant of that particular application. The MPEP clarifies: USPTO employees are forbidden to hold either oral or written communication with an attorney or agent who has been suspended or excluded from practice…
Read MoreHow can I petition for access to a pending application?
Any interested party may file a petition, accompanied by the petition fee, to the Director for access to an application. The petition may be filed either with proof of service of copy upon the applicant, or the petition may be filed in duplicate, in which case the duplicate copy will be sent by the Office…
Read MoreCan the foreign priority application be filed by an assignee, legal representative or agent of the inventor?
Yes, the foreign application may have been filed by and in the name of the assignee or legal representative or agent of the inventor, as applicant. If the certified copy of the foreign application corresponds with the one identified in the U.S. application and no discrepancies appear, it may be assumed the U.S. application is…
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