Can a protest be submitted anonymously to the USPTO?

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, a protest can be submitted anonymously to the USPTO. The MPEP 1901.03 explicitly states: “The protest may be submitted either with or without identification of the real party in interest.” This means that individuals or entities can file a protest without revealing their identity.

However, it’s important to note that while anonymity is allowed, the protest must still comply with all other requirements for submission, including proper format, timely filing, and inclusion of relevant prior art or other supporting documents. The ability to submit anonymously can be particularly useful for those who wish to bring pertinent information to the attention of the USPTO without disclosing their identity or potential interest in the outcome of the patent application.