How can I access published international applications?

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.

Published international applications are made available to the public through various means:

• WIPO’s PATENTSCOPE database: This is the primary source for accessing published PCT applications. It’s available at https://patentscope.wipo.int/.
• USPTO’s Patent Application Information Retrieval (PAIR) system: For applications that have entered the national phase in the US.
• Other national patent office databases: Many countries provide access to published PCT applications through their online patent databases.

MPEP 1857 states: “The International Bureau publishes a PCT pamphlet containing the international application on the international publication date.” This pamphlet is what becomes publicly accessible through these databases.