37 C.F.R. 1.11 discusses the rights the public has to inspect files (such as patents and certain types of applications). This section outlines the exact documents accessible to the public. It includes a brief discussion on accessing image file wrapper (IFW) applications, access to published U.S. patent applications, unpublished abandoned and pending applications that are identified, and access where part of an application is incorporated by reference in a U.S. patent application publication or a U.S. patent.
In addition, this section covers petitions for access by third parties, access where a patent relies on the filing date of an earlier but still pending application, access to provisional applications, access to applications involved in interferences or trials through the Patent Trial and Appeal Board, defensive publications, reissue applications, and requests for reexamination.
