Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke (L) swears in David Kappos as his wife Leslie Kimball holds the Bible

Secretary Locke Conducts Swearing-In Ceremony for USPTO Director David Kappos

U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke today conducted a ceremonial swearing-in ceremony for Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the USPTO David Kappos. In his remarks before thousands of employees on the USPTO campus, Secretary Locke said “David is taking on a big job... Promoting and protecting U.S. inventions, innovation and creativity directly affects our nation‘s welfare and prosperity.”

Under Secretary Kappos added, “I look forward to…working with you to advance [the USPTO’s] mission on behalf of the American people.”

>> To read Under Secretary Kappos's remarks, Click here

Announcing beta.uspto.gov

>> USPTO Beta Version
The USPTO is pleased to announce the beta test release of its new Web site will remain open for an additional period of about six weeks. The new site has been redesigned to improve the look and feel, as well as to enhance the user experience with improved navigation. The USPTO’s goal is to make the Web site technologically up-to-date, user-friendly, and responsive to customer feedback.

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USPTO Takes Another Step Closer to Full Electronic Patent Application Processing

e-Office Action provides faster, more efficient notification to patent applicant

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has announced the implementation of the e-Office Action program following a successful pilot project. Under the program, patent applicants receive an e-mail notification of office communications instead of paper mailings. Click here for more information.

USPTO Opens Exhibit of Michael Jackson’s Patent and Trademarks

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and the National Inventors Hall of Fame and Museum are presenting a special exhibit featuring material from Michael Jackson’s patent and trademark applications. The exhibit is free and open to the public starting Wednesday, July 15 and runs through Labor Day.

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Clarification Regarding Annual Patent Attorney/Agent Registration Fee

The USPTO has received questions from patent practitioners whether the $118 annual maintenance fee for FY2009 must be paid by September 30, 2009.

The agency has not issued a notice to pay the annual practitioner maintenance fee for FY2009, nor has it required payment of the fee by September 30.

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