Who has the authority to grant others the Power to Inspect an application?

The authority to grant others the Power to Inspect an application lies with the applicant or the patent practitioner of record. This is based on established practice within the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

When a patent application is filed, the applicant maintains certain rights related to that application, including the ability to control who can access the details of the application. The power to inspect an application refers to the ability for others to view the application documents and related materials. The applicant can choose to grant inspection access to third parties, such as potential licensees, collaborators, or their legal representatives.

This control by the applicant or patent practitioner is vital since it allows them to manage the flow of information regarding their invention as it undergoes the examination process. It also plays a crucial role in maintaining confidentiality until the applicant is ready to disclose the information publicly, typically at the time of publication or issuance of the patent.

In contrast, the other options do not reflect the proper channel for granting inspection rights. The patent examiner's role is to evaluate the application but does not include granting third-party inspection rights. Any interested party does not automatically have rights to inspect the application without express permission from the applicant. Lastly, while the USPTO director oversees the processes of the