Patent Application Survey Comments

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is soliciting comments on or before August 3, 2007 on its proposed Patent Application Survey as discussed in the Federal Register. Two different versions of the survey will be disseminated, one for large domestic corporations and small and medium-size businesses, and another for universities, non-profit research organizations, and independent inventors. Although the survey is primarily a mail survey, participants will have the option to complete it electronically or by phone.


According to the USPTO, comments are invited about:

• a) Whether the proposed collection of
  information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of
  the agency, including whether the information shall have practical
  utility;


• (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden
  (including hours and cost) of the proposed collection of information;


• (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the
  information to be collected; and


• (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of
  information on respondents, including through the use of automated
  collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

Comments may be sent the following ways:

• E-mail: Susan.Fawcett@uspto.gov. Include ``0651-0052 comment'' in
  the subject line of the message.


• Fax: 571-273-0112, marked to the attention of Susan Fawcett.


• Mail: Susan K. Fawcett, Records Officer, Office of the Chief
  Information Officer, Customer Information Services Group, Public
  Information Services Division, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, P.O.
  Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313-1450.