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DOC/PTO RIN: 0651-AD05 Publication ID: Fall 2016 
Title: Changes to Provide for Making the File Contents of Pending Applications Filed Before June 8, 1995, Available to the Public 
Abstract: 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. 
Agency: Department of Commerce(DOC)  Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant 
RIN Status: Previously published in the Unified Agenda Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Completed Actions 
Major: No  Unfunded Mandates: No 
CFR Citation: 37 CFR 1.1   
Legal Authority: 35 U.S.C. 2(b)(2)   
Legal Deadline:  None
Timetable:
Action Date FR Cite
Withdrawn  08/11/2016 
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No  Government Levels Affected: None 
Small Entities Affected: No  Federalism: No 
Included in the Regulatory Plan: No 
RIN Data Printed in the FR: No 
Agency Contact:
Raul Tamayo
Department of Commerce
Patent and Trademark Office
600 Dulany Street, P.O. Box 1450,
Alexandria, VA 22313
Phone:571 272-7728
Fax:571 273-7728
Email: raul.tamayo@uspto.gov