How does the USPTO handle confidentiality for international applications filed in the United States?

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has specific procedures for maintaining the confidentiality of international applications filed in the U.S. According to MPEP 110, which references 35 U.S.C. 368, International applications filed in the Patent and Trademark Office shall be subject to the provisions of chapter 17. This means that such applications are subject to the same secrecy provisions as regular U.S. patent applications. Additionally, If a license to file in a foreign country is refused or if an international application is ordered to be kept secret and a permit refused, the Patent and Trademark Office when acting as a Receiving Office, International Searching Authority, or International Preliminary Examining Authority, may not disclose the contents of such application to anyone not authorized to receive such disclosure. This ensures that sensitive information in international applications is protected in accordance with U.S. law.

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

For more information on USPTO, visit: USPTO.