MEDIA ADVISORY CONTACT: Kim Byars 703-305-8341 February 6, 2001 01-08

ACTING UNDER SECRETARY OF COMMERCE FOR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND ACTING DIRECTOR OF THE U.S. PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE TO HOST ONLINE DIALOGUE On Thursday, February 8, 2001, between 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. (EST), Acting Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Acting Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office, Nicholas Godici, will be available online to answer questions from the agency's customers and the public on issues related to the work of the USPTO. This open online dialogue is the first for Godici as the Acting Under Secretary. Participants can ask questions or simply observe the online dialogue by logging on to the USPTO's web site at www.uspto.gov, then clicking on the home page link marked "Online Dialogue with the Director of the USPTO," and following the instructions. Members of the Press Can Participate as Observers. WHO: Nicholas Godici, Acting Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Acting Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office WHAT: Live Online Dialogue with USPTO Customers and Public WHERE: www.uspto.gov WHEN: Thursday, February 8, 2001 1:00 p.m. (EST) # # #