How are assignment records for reissue applications handled?

Assignment records for reissue applications are treated differently from regular patent applications due to their public nature. According to MPEP 301.01:

Assignment records relating to reissue applications are open to public inspection because reissue applications are open to public inspection pursuant to 37 CFR 1.11(b).

This means that once a reissue application is filed, its assignment records become publicly accessible, regardless of whether the original patent’s assignment records were previously confidential. This is because reissue applications are, by nature, related to already-issued patents and are subject to different rules regarding public disclosure.

The public accessibility of reissue application assignment records aligns with the general principle of transparency in the patent system, allowing interested parties to track ownership changes even during the reissue process. This can be particularly important for those monitoring patent rights in specific technological areas or for potential licensees or purchasers of patent rights.

For more information on public inspection, visit: public inspection.

For more information on reissue applications, visit: reissue applications.