I. Access to, and copies of applications which have been published
A member of the public cannot obtain direct physical access to any pending published (original) application, but may obtain a copy of the papers in the application file as follows:
On-line: Patent application publications are available electronically on the USPTO website, at https://ppubs.uspto.gov/pubwebapp/static/pages/landing.html . A copy of a patent application publication, a patent application file contents or a particular paper within the file contents of a patent application that was published under 35 U.S.C. 122(b) may be requested electronically at https://certifiedcopycenter.uspto.gov/ with authorization to charge the appropriate fee to a deposit account or credit card.
By mail: A copy of a patent application publication, a patent application file contents or a particular paper within the file contents of a patent application that was published under 35 U.S.C. 122(b) may be requested by mail. Address correspondence to:
Director Of United States Patent and Trademark Office
PO Box 1450
Alexandria, Virginia 22313-1450.
The request must include the application's publication number and payment of the appropriate fee.
By facsimile: A copy of a patent application publication, a patent application file contents or a particular paper within the file contents of an patent application that was published under 35 U.S.C. 122(b) may be requested by facsimile, with a credit card, electronic fund transfer, or deposit account authorization for the appropriate fee. The FAX number is (703) 305-8759.
Fees: The fee for a copy of an application file's contents is set forth in 37 CFR 1.19(b)(2). The fee for a particular paper is set forth in 37 CFR 1.19(b)(4).
Questions: Contact the Public Records Division Customer Service Line at (571) 272-3150 or (800) 972-6382. Customer Service staff are available between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. U.S. Eastern Standard Time. The After-Hours Technical Support Line is: (800) 786-9199.
II. Status Information About Published or Patented Applications
On- Line: For published and patented applications, status information may easily be obtained using the Patent Center.
By telephone: Third parties should not call the Office to inquire as to the status of a published application other than to inquire if the application is still pending. To see if the application is still pending, third parties may call the Application Assistance Unit at (888)786-0101 or (571)272-4000.