What are the requirements for requesting access to Office records related to a contested case?

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.

According to MPEP 2307.02, any request for access to or copies of Office records directly related to a contested case must adhere to the following requirements:

• The request must be filed with the Board.
• It must precisely identify the records being requested.
• For copies, the appropriate fee set under 37 CFR 1.19(b) must be included.

As stated in the MPEP: “Any request from a party for access to or copies of Office records directly related to a contested case must be filed with the Board. The request must precisely identify the records and in the case of copies include the appropriate fee set under § 1.19(b) of this title.”