How can I access published patent applications?

If a patent application has been published pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 122(b), then a copy of the specification, drawings, and all papers relating to the file of that published application (whether abandoned or pending) may be provided to any person upon written request and payment of the fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.19(b). See 37 CFR 1.14(a)(1)(ii) and (iii).

Published applications maintained in the Image File Wrapper (IFW) system are available on the USPTO website in Patent Center.

Topics: MPEP 103-Right of Public To Inspect Patent Files and Some Application Files, Patent Law
Tags: grant access, IFW system, Patent Center, unpublished applications