What information can be provided about pending or abandoned applications?

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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. For pending or abandoned applications that have not been published, the Office may only confirm that an application has been filed, provide the application number and filing date, the inventorship information, the classification, and the group art unit assigned to the application. This limited information is available to the public to help avoid infringement of pending patent rights. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Published Abandoned Application File Available to Public MPEP 102 Required Access to Published Abandoned Patent Application Files MPEP 102 Required Status Information of an Application Is Required MPEP 102 Requester Entitled to Status Info for International Design Application MPEP 102 No Access to Published Pending Application File Except as Specified MPEP 102 Required Redacted Copies May Be Provided for Published Applications MPEP 102 Permitted Inquiries for PCT Filing Date Applications Can Be Directed to Help Desk MPEP 102 Permitted Access to Published Patent Application Files Required MPEP 102 Required Patented Application Files Available to Public MPEP 102 Required Access to Pending Application Files Restricted MPEP 102 Required Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse How can USPTO personnel determine the current location or status of an application? What information can be provided about provisional applications? What information can be obtained about a pending application under MPEP 102? What information is considered &#8216;status information&#8217; for a patent application? When are patent application records available to the public?