PRESS RELEASE Contact: Kim Byars 703-305-8341 June 1, 2001 #01-21

USPTO Participates in the Computers for Learning Program Donates Computers to local Virginia School On Thursday, May 31, 2001, Nicholas Godici, acting under secretary of commerce and acting director of the Department of Commerce's United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) donated surplus computers to the Cora Kelly Elementary School located in Alexandria, VA. The donation is part of the Computers for learning Program. Since its inception two years ago, Federal agencies have donated thousands of computers and computer components to schools and non-profits across the country. "By participating in the Computers for Learning program, USPTO plays an important part in ensuring that America's children have the technology they need to compete in the 21st century," noted Nicholas Godici. The program streamlines the transfer of surplus Federal computer equipment to our Nation's classrooms. In addition, it provides a user-friendly, Internet-based system for donating surplus computer equipment to pre-kindergarten through grade 12 schools and educational non-profits, which gives special consideration to those with the greatest need. Through the Computers for Learning website at www.computers.fed.gov, schools and educational non-profit organizations can register to request surplus Federal computer equipment. Federal property personnel can then use the website at www.computers.fed.gov to select those schools and non-profits in most need from the database of registrants, and can arrange for donation via e-mail. USPTO administers patent and trademark laws protecting intellectual property and rewarding individual effort. Intellectual property is a potent force in the competitive free enterprise system. By protecting intellectual endeavors and encouraging technological progress, USPTO seeks to preserve the United States' technological edge, which is a key to our current and future competitiveness. USPTO also disseminates patent and trademark information that promotes an understanding of intellectual property protection and facilitates the development and sharing of new technologies worldwide. Over 6 million patents have been issued since the first patent in 1790 and more than 2.3 million trademarks have been registered since the first in 1870. Last year USPTO issued 182,223 patents and registered 127,794 trademarks. # # #