VI. CUSTOMER PARTNERSHIP &
VII. CONCLUSION

VI. CUSTOMER PARTNERSHIP

In 1999, Technology Center 2700 and Workgroup 2760 began customer outreach initiatives and the formation of customer partnerships directed to Class 705.

On October 26, 1999, a Customer Focus Session on Quality of USPTO Prior Art Searches in the Business Method Area was held to identify strengths and weaknesses in the quality of searches being completed at the USPTO. This session included officials of the USPTO and a number of patent practitioners from the East Coast. Valuable information was received from customers that will be utilized in crafting initiatives to improve performance.

Technology Center 2700 has begun the process of forming customer partnerships to jointly address the issues of examination in Class 705. These customer partnerships will be

a key mechanism in continuing to properly address the patent examination impacts of business data processing. Customer partnerships will allow the USPTO to properly gauge numerous items. Customers of the USPTO will know first the future evolution of business data processing. Their application filings will control the transition of patent application format towards the "business method form" and any future shift that will be required in the knowledge base of Class 705 examiners. They are also in a unique position to assist in providing training needed as part of shifting the knowledge base.

VII. CONCLUSION

The growth of the business technology industry has been reflected in the increase in the quantity and complexity of patent applications filed in Class 705. This paper has discussed many initiatives that have been implemented to improve quality and begin customer partnerships for Class 705. More will be required in the future to meet the needs of this emerging technology and the needs of our customers. The USPTO management is committed to the successful examination of these applications to ensure continued growth and innovation in this important area.