How is patent ownership transferred?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-09 10 Rules 5 Related FAQs 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. Patent ownership can be transferred through an assignment. According to 35 U.S.C. 261 , assignments of patent applications, patents, or any interest therein must be in writing. The MPEP defines an assignment as: ‘a transfer by a party of all or part of its right, title and interest in a patent [or] patent application….’ An assignment transfers the entire ownership interest or a percentage of that interest in the patent or application. It must include the entirety of the bundle of rights associated with the ownership interest. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Entire Ownership Interest Must Be Transferred MPEP 301 Required Assignment of Patent Must Be in Writing MPEP 301 Record of Patents and Applications Required MPEP 301 Required Assignment of Patents Must Be in Writing MPEP 301 Required Assignment of Patent Transfers Ownership Interest MPEP 301 Requirement for Transfer of Ownership Interest MPEP 301 Definitions for Ownership and Assignability of Patents and Applications MPEP 301 Required Assignment of Patent Rights Permitted MPEP 301 Permitted Patent Assignments Must Be In Writing MPEP 301 License Transfers Limited Patent Rights MPEP 301 Permitted Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse What information is available in USPTO patent assignment records? How does the USPTO handle confidential patent assignment information? What is the significance of recording a patent assignment? Are all patent assignment records publicly accessible? What information is available in the USPTO&#8217;s assignment database?