Can the publication or issue date of a pending patent application be disclosed over the phone?

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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. According to MPEP 101, particular care must be taken when a caller requests the publication date or issue date assigned to a pending patent application: “If the publication or issue date is later than the current date (i.e., the date of the request), such information may be given only to the applicant, an inventor, the assignee of record, or the attorney or agent of record.” The identity and authority of the caller must be verified according to the procedures outlined in the MPEP before this information can be provided over the telephone. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Caller Must Be Verified Before Releasing Information MPEP 101 Permitted Patent Application Confidentiality Requirement MPEP 101 Caller Must Be Verified Before Releasing Application Info MPEP 101 Prohibited Patent Application Publication Timing and Conditions MPEP 101 Required Patent Application Confidentiality Requirement MPEP 101 Required Patent Application Confidentiality Requirement MPEP 101 Permitted Patent Application Must Be Published After 18 Months MPEP 101 Required Patent Application Files Must Be Kept Confidential and Accessible MPEP 101 Recommended Applicant Can Withdraw Patent Application Request At Any Time MPEP 101 Permitted Caller Must Identify Reason for Information Request Without Patent Practitioner MPEP 101 Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse How should USPTO employees handle patent applications to ensure confidentiality? What information about an unpublished patent application can be given over the phone? How does the USPTO handle telephone and in-person requests for patent application information? What are the penalties for unauthorized disclosure of patent app...