What is the confidential nature of international patent applications?

International patent applications are kept confidential before their international publication, as specified in MPEP 110. According to PCT Article 30, the International Bureau and the International Searching Authorities shall not allow access by any person or authority to the international application before the international publication of that application, unless requested or authorized by the applicant. This confidentiality ensures that inventors’ rights are protected during the early stages of the patent process.

For more information on international patent applications, visit: international patent applications.