Who can file a protest against a patent application?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-30 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. According to MPEP 1901.01 , any member of the public can file a protest under 37 CFR 1.291. This includes: Private persons Corporate entities Government agencies The MPEP states: Any member of the public, including private persons, corporate entities, and government agencies, may file a protest under 37 CFR 1.291. This broad definition ensures that anyone with relevant information can bring it to the attention of the Patent Office during the examination process. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Public Can Protest Pending Patents If Identified MPEP 1901 Permitted Public Can File Protest MPEP 1901.01 Permitted Party Can Protest Pending Application and Call Attention to Prior Art MPEP 1901 Permitted Protest Filing Requirements for Patent Applications MPEP 1901 Self-Addressed Postcard Required for Protest MPEP 1901 Information Required for Protest Matching MPEP 1901 Recommended First Protest Not Required to Include Statement MPEP 1901 Required Attorney Can File Protest on Behalf of Unnamed Party MPEP 1901.01 Permitted Real Party in Interest Not Required to Be Identified MPEP 1901.01 First Protest Requirement MPEP 1901.01 Required Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse Can an attorney file a protest on behalf of an unnamed client? Can multiple protests be submitted by different people representing the same real party in interest? What happens if a protest doesn&#8217;t include the required statement? What statement must accompany a patent protest? How can the public access information about published patent applications?