PRESS RELEASE Contact: Brigid Quinn 703-305-8341 brigid.quinn@uspto.gov February 04, 2002 #02-05 Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property Announces 21.2% Increase for U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Increased Funding to Improve Quality and Reduce Pendency James E. Rogan, Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property, announced that President Bush is requesting a 21.2% budget increase for the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in FY 2003. The $239 million increase over the agency's FY 2002 budget encourages innovation and reinforces confidence in the patent and trademark systems by providing the resources to improve quality and reduce turn-around time for patents and trademarks. The President's increase allows the agency to: Hire 950 patent examiners Transform trademarks to a fully electronic operation by 2004 Implement the President's management agenda, including e-government, outsourcing, and workforce restructuring. "The President's proposal represents the largest ever increase in funding for USPTO," said Under Secretary Rogan. It provides the agency with the equivalent of 100% of its traditional fees, plus an additional $45 million," he added. USPTO's budget request includes a one-time surcharge of $207 million in order to meet the demands of fulfilling the agency's business plan and the President's priorities. USPTO's five-year business plan, which contains details of the agency's FY 2003 budget, will be released this week. # # #