View Rule

The USPTO is proposing to amend the rules of practice to make the file contents of pending applications that were filed before June 8, 1995 available to the public. Because such applications are not required to be published and access is not generally available under the current access rule, the public likely does not know whether these applications claim established science or technology that has been publicly available for decades and in widespread use. The proposed rule would grant the public access to the file contents of these applications so the public would have notice of the particular science or technology that may be removed from the public domain. In addition, the proposed rule would give the public greater opportunity to submit prior art relevant to the examination of these applications. The USPTO is also proposing to amend the rules of practice to make the file contents of applications that claim the benefit of a filing date before June 8, 1995 available to the public.