724.01 Completeness of the Patent File Wrapper [R-08.2012]

It is the intent of the Office that the patent file wrapper be as complete as possible insofar as “material” information is concerned. The Office attempts to minimize the potential conflict between full disclosure of “material” information as required by 37 CFR 1.56 and protection of trade secret, proprietary, and protective order material to the extent possible.

The procedures set forth in the following sections are designed to enable the Office to ensure as complete a patent file wrapper as possible while preventing unnecessary public disclosure of trade secrets, proprietary material, and protective order material.