Can large demonstrations or exhibits be viewed outside the USPTO office?
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, large demonstrations or exhibits that cannot be brought into the USPTO office can be viewed by the examiner outside of the Office. The MPEP states:
Demonstrations of apparatus or exhibits too large to be brought into the Office may be viewed by the examiner outside of the Office (in the Washington, D.C. area) with the approval of the supervisory patent examiner.
This provision allows for the examination of large or immovable inventions. However, it’s important to note that such demonstrations require approval and are typically limited to the Washington, D.C. area. The USPTO presumes that witnessing these demonstrations or reviewing large exhibits is essential for clarifying issues related to the patent application.