Legal Definitions - power to inspect

The power to inspect refers to the authority given to a third party to review a patent application. This power can be granted by the applicant or an assignee, usually to a potential buyer. The person with the power to inspect must specify which application they are authorized to see, and this authorization becomes part of the record of the application.

For example, if a company is interested in buying a patent from another company, they may request the power to inspect the patent application. This would allow them to review the details of the patent and determine if it is worth purchasing.

Another example could be a patent attorney who is hired to represent a client in a patent dispute. The attorney may request the power to inspect the patent application of the opposing party in order to build a stronger case for their client.

These examples illustrate how the power to inspect can be a valuable tool in the world of patents, allowing interested parties to gain access to important information and make informed decisions.