What rights does an assignee of the entire interest in a patent application have regarding inspection?

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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. An assignee of the entire interest in a patent application has broader rights regarding inspection compared to a part interest assignee. According to MPEP 106.01 , an assignee of the entire interest may inspect the application file wrapper and be granted access to the subject matter of the application. This is because they have acquired all rights to the patent application and are considered to have stepped into the shoes of the inventor(s) for all practical purposes related to the application. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Assignee of Part Interest Can Inspect Application MPEP 106.01 Assignee of Entire Interest Can File Application MPEP 106 Permitted Assignee of Entire Interest Can Prosecute Application MPEP 106.01 Permitted Reissue Oath by Assignee of Entire Interest MPEP 1410.01 Assignee CanProsecute After Becoming Applicant MPEP 106.01 Inventor Can Review Application Unless Requested Otherwise MPEP 106 Request to Prevent Inventor Access Must Be Filed Separately MPEP 106 Recommended Access Restriction Ends Upon Public Disclosure MPEP 106 Special Circumstances for Access to Application Files MPEP 103 Access to Provisional Applications Requires Written Authority MPEP 104 Permitted Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse What is the significance of 37 CFR 1.46 in patent application prosecution? How does the America Invents Act (AIA) affect assignee rights in patent applications? What are the differences in assignee rights for applications filed before and after September 16, 2012? Can an assignee of the entire interest in a patent application grant inspection rights to others? How can an inventor or applicant control access to their patent applicati...