Patent commissioner invites input from Small Times readers

Apr. 25, 2007 — In response to the April 6 article Cresanti leads nano commercialization roundtable, and in particular the article’s report of small-tech patent application review frustrations, Small Times has received two letters, one from Under Secretary for Technology at the US Department of Commerce, Robert Cresanti and another from John Doll, Commissioner for Patents.

“It is not ‘strong union forces,’ but federal law, that makes it harder for the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to recruit and retain patent examiners,” says Doll, who then explains use of special law provisions to overcome the shortage of qualified examiners.

Doll goes on to detail work being done to fast-track patent-application review, including the provision for applicants to request accelerated examination, “guaranteeing a final examiner decision within 12 months in return for adhering to certain requirements.”

Doll acknowledges the current frustration level, saying his department knows that more must be done to ensure that micro- and nanotechnology developers get decisions on their patent applications more quickly. And in the letter he announces that the USPTO is “seeking solutions from the public and those with a stake in the patent system through a series of town hall meetings and focus groups we will hold later this year.” When Doll and his team finalize plans for these meetings, they will be announced on the USPTO website.”

“We welcome the thoughts and suggestions of readers of Small Times,” Doll concludes. Send your thoughts and suggestions to Small Times at [email protected].

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