Can citations be submitted anonymously to the USPTO?
Yes, citations can be submitted anonymously to the USPTO if the person making the submission wishes to keep their identity confidential. According to 37 CFR 1.501(d), as referenced in MPEP 2202:
“If the person making the submission wishes his or her identity to be excluded from the patent file and kept confidential, the submission papers must be submitted anonymously without any identification of the person making the submission.“
This provision allows individuals to submit prior art or written statements without revealing their identity, which can be useful in certain situations where the submitter wants to maintain confidentiality.
To learn more:
Topics:
MPEP 2200 - Citation Of Prior Art And Ex Parte Reexamination Of Patents,
MPEP 2202 - Citation Of Prior Art And Written Statements,
Patent Law,
Patent Procedure