PRESS RELEASE #99-23 July 30, 1999 Contact: Maria V. Hernandez Brigid Quinn 703-305-8341 PTO ACTING COMMISSIONER TO HOST GROUND-BREAKING ONLINE DIALOG On Tuesday, August 3, 1999 between 12:00 noon and 1:00 p.m., Acting Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks, Q. Todd Dickinson, will be available online to answer questions from the agency's customers and the public on issues related to the work of the PTO. This open online dialog is a first for a PTO Commissioner, and is another example of the agency's commitment to the Clinton/Gore Administration's policy of bringing government to the people. Participants will log on to PTO's web site at www.uspto.gov between 11:45 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. on August 3rd and click on the home page link marked "Online Conversation with the Commissioner," and follow the instructions. Participants have the option of joining as questioners or observers. MEMBERS OF THE PRESS CAN PARTICIPATE AS OBSERVERS WHO: Q. Todd Dickinson, Acting Commissioner of Patents & Trademarks WHAT: Live Online Dialog with PTO Customers and Public WHERE: www.uspto.gov WHEN : Tuesday, August 3, 1999, 12:00 noon (EDT) ###