Can a partial assignee or licensee inspect a patent application?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-09 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. Yes, according to MPEP 106.01, an assignee of a part interest or a licensee of exclusive right is entitled to inspect the patent application. The MPEP states: ‘an assignee of a part interest or a licensee of exclusive right is entitled to inspect the application.’ This right to inspection is distinct from the right to intervene in or prosecute the application, which is reserved for the assignee of the entire interest. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Assignee of Part Interest Can Inspect Application MPEP 106.01 Assignee of Entire Interest Can File Application MPEP 106 Permitted Assignee of Entire Interest Can Prosecute Application MPEP 106.01 Permitted Reissue Oath by Assignee of Entire Interest MPEP 1410.01 Assignee CanProsecute After Becoming Applicant MPEP 106.01 Inventor Can Review Application Unless Requested Otherwise MPEP 106 Request to Prevent Inventor Access Must Be Filed Separately MPEP 106 Recommended Access Restriction Ends Upon Public Disclosure MPEP 106 Permission for Competitors to Inspect Application MPEP 104 Permitted Consent Must Be Signed by Assignee for Pre-2012 Applications MPEP 1410.02 Required Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse What is the significance of 37 CFR 1.46 in patent application prosecution? How does the America Invents Act (AIA) affect assignee rights in patent applications? What are the differences in assignee rights for applications filed before and after September 16, 2012? What rights does an assignee of the entire interest in a patent application have regarding inspection? Can an assignee of the entire interest in a patent application grant inspection rights to others?