[Federal Register: December 30, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 250)] [Notices] [Page 71895-71896] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr30de98-45] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Patent and Trademark Office Notice of Round Table Discussion on Proposed Reform of Patent Law and Operational Authority of the Patent and Trademark Office AGENCY: Patent and Trademark Office, Commerce. ACTION: Notice of meeting. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) announces a one-day, round table discussion on legislative proposals to reform patent law and the operational authority of the PTO. There will be approximately 10 to 20 round table participants. The participants may include Congressional representatives, Administration officials, and PTO customers invited by the PTO in consultation with groups representing large and small entities and independent inventors. Subject to space limitations, observers are invited to attend and, if time permits, make comments. DATES: The round table discussion will be held on Friday, January 22, 1999, from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Individuals who would like to attend as observers must register by telephone between 12 noon Eastern time on January 14, 1999, and 12 noon January 20, 1999. ADDRESSES: The round table discussion will take place at the Sheraton Crystal City Hotel, 1800 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, Virginia 22202. Individuals who would like to attend must register their name with Andrew Hirsch, Director of Congressional Affairs, by telephone at (703) 305-9300, or by facsimile transmission marked to his attention at (703) 305-8885. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Andrew Hirsch, Director of Congressional Affairs, by telephone at (703) 305-9300, or by facsimile transmission marked to his attention at (703) 305-8885. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background The U.S. patent system plays a critical role in our dynamic economy. Inventors rely on a strong patent system to protect their creativity and investment as they bring their new technology and products to the marketplace. Inventors want their patent applications examined and patents issued and protected in the most efficient manner possible. While all PTO customers and other interested parties agree with those goals, they disagree as to what, if any, reforms are necessary to achieve those goals. Efforts intended to reform and improve the U.S. patent system have intensified over the last two Congresses. However, legislation was not enacted because of disagreement over the specific proposals to reform patent law and the operational authority of the PTO. Purpose of Round Table Discussion This round table discussion is expected to begin a constructive dialogue among PTO customers and other interested parties on the desirability and the proper nature and scope of the various proposed legislative reforms to U.S. patent law and to the operational authority of the PTO. The PTO does not intend to use the group to arrive at any consensus. Accordingly, the PTO will host the round table discussion both to bring insights and experiences of diverse viewpoints to the agency and to find out where problems have been observed in the patent system before those problems harm the American economy. Attendees will be encouraged to supply the agency with general commentary, suggestions, and raw data. Issues Issues to be addressed by round table participants include, but are not limited to, the following: 1. Early publication of patent applications and provisional rights. 2. Reform of reexamination procedures. 3. Prior user rights. 4. Patent term restoration/extension provisions. 5. Recasting the PTO as a Government corporation and/or performance-based organization with improved operating and financial flexibilities. 6. Patent fee related issues. 7. Invention promotion fraud. Registration of Public Observers Because of space limitations, a limited number of public observers will be allowed to attend. Individuals who would like to attend must register their name with Andrew Hirsch, Director of Congressional Affairs, by telephone at (703) 305-9300, or by facsimile transmission marked to his attention at (703) 305-8885. Requests to register as [[Page 71896]] observers will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis. Dated: December 23, 1998. Q. Todd Dickinson, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce and Deputy Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks. [FR Doc. 98-34494 Filed 12-29-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-16-M