Patent Fee Increases

If a proposed rule in the Federal Register passes, patent fees for FY2009 are scheduled to be adjusted upward according to fluctuations in the Consumer Price Index (CPI). That increase is currently predicted to be 4.0 percent.

According to the Federal Register, comments about the proposed rule must be received on or before July 3, 2008 and must include the RIN number RIN 0651- AC21. Any of the following methods are acceptable ways of commenting:

• Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
  
• E-mail: Walter.Schlueter@uspto.gov. Include RIN number RIN 0651-AC21 in the subject line of the message.
  
• Fax: (571) 273-6299, marked to the attention of Walter Schlueter.
  
• Mail: Director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313-1450, marked to the attention of Walter Schlueter.

For further information contact Walter Schlueter by e-mail at Walter.Schlueter@uspto.gov, by telephone at (571) 272-6299, or by fax at (571) 273-6299.