Who is allowed to access pending or abandoned patent files according to MPEP 100?

The correct answer indicates that only the named inventors and authorized individuals have access to pending or abandoned patent files, according to MPEP 100. This aligns with the established principles of patent confidentiality and the protection of intellectual property rights, ensuring that sensitive information contained within these files is not disclosed indiscriminately.

The rationale behind restricting access primarily to the inventors and authorized persons helps to safeguard the proprietary information from unauthorized disclosure that could potentially harm the inventors' interests or compromise the patent application process. As a result, this controlled access facilitates proper management of the intellectual property while still allowing those directly involved or authorized to fully engage with their submissions.

Other options imply broader access than is permitted: the general public cannot view pending applications until they are published, licensed patent practitioners require specific permissions depending on their relationship to the application, and filing a request does not guarantee access unless the requester meets the specific criteria of being an inventor or an authorized individual.