How does the USPTO balance full disclosure and protection of sensitive information?

The USPTO strives to maintain a balance between full disclosure of material information and protection of sensitive data. MPEP 724.01 states: The Office attempts to minimize the potential conflict between full disclosure of ‘material’ information as required by 37 CFR 1.56 and protection of trade secret, proprietary, and protective order material to the extent possible. This balance is achieved through specific procedures designed to ensure completeness of the patent file wrapper while safeguarding sensitive information.

To learn more:

• USPTO
• full disclosure
• trade secrets
• proprietary information
• protective order material