How are assignment records made accessible to the public?

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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. The USPTO makes assignment records accessible to the public in several ways, as described in 37 CFR 1.12: Separate assignment records for patents and trademarks are maintained and are open to public inspection. Assignment records, digests, and indexes for patents are available on the USPTO website. Images of assignment documents recorded from June 1998 onwards are viewable on the Office website. For earlier records, the public can place an order to view images. The MPEP notes: ‘The Office will not open only certain parts of an assignment document to public inspection. If such a document contains two or more items, any one of which, if alone, would be open to such inspection, then the entire document will be open.’ However, documents relating only to pending unpublished applications are not open to public inspection. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Record of Patents and Applications Required MPEP 301 Required Assignment of Patent Must Be in Writing MPEP 301 Definitions for Ownership and Assignability of Patents and Applications MPEP 301 Required Assignment of Patents Must Be in Writing MPEP 301 Required Definition of Assignment MPEP 301 Two Ways to Record Assignments for Patent Property MPEP 301 Permitted Recordation of Assignment Provides Public Notice MPEP 301 Recommended Recordation of Assignment Provides Public Notice MPEP 301 Permitted Patents Are Personal Property MPEP 301 Required Assignment of Patent Rights Permitted MPEP 301 Permitted Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse What information is available in USPTO patent assignment records? How does the USPTO handle confidential patent assignment information? What is the significance of recordin...