How should USPTO employees handle patent applications to ensure confidentiality?

MPEP 101 explains that USPTO employees must take specific measures to ensure the confidentiality of patent applications:

  • No part of any application or related paper should be reproduced or copied except for official purposes.
  • Application files must not be displayed or handled in a manner that would allow unauthorized persons to inspect them.
  • For non-electronic files removed from their storage area, a charge must be promptly made in the tracking system.
  • Physical files must be stored properly, not in unsecured locations like desk drawers.
  • Interoffice mail related to applications must be sent in appropriate envelopes.
Topics: MPEP 101-General, Patent Examining Procedure
Tags: confidentiality measures, patent application handling, USPTO employees