What rights do partial assignees have regarding inspection of patent applications?

Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based)BlueIron Update: 2024-09-09

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.

Partial assignees have limited rights regarding the inspection of patent applications. According to MPEP 106.01, an assignee of a part interest in a patent application is not entitled to inspect the application without written authority from the inventor or the other assignee(s). This restriction is in place to protect the interests of all parties involved in the patent application process.

Topics: MPEP 106-Control of Inspection by Assignee Patent Law Patent Procedure
Tags: Access Records, Assignee Access, Assignee Entire Interest