How is access to patent applications granted to unregistered individuals?

Access to patent applications for unregistered individuals is granted through a specific process outlined in MPEP 104:

“Unregistered employees of attorneys or agents, public stenographers, and all other persons not within the provisions of paragraphs (A) and (B) above will be given access only upon presentation of a written authorization for access (power to inspect) signed by a person specified in paragraph (A) above, which authorization will be entered as a part of the official file.”

This means that unregistered individuals must present a written authorization, often called a ‘power to inspect,’ signed by an authorized person such as the applicant, inventor, or attorney of record. The authorization must specifically name the person granted access and be limited to a single application. The USPTO provides Form PTO/SB/67 for this purpose.

For more information on Patent application access, visit: Patent application access.

For more information on power to inspect, visit: power to inspect.