petition for access
petition for access. Patents. Application to inspect a patent application, made by someone who does not usu. have the authority to do so. • The petition must demonstrate a special need for access, and show that the applicant has been notified of the petition. The patent applicant is entitled to a hearing before access is granted. [Cases: Patents 97. C.J.S. Patents §§ 135–138, 145, 178.]