The Patent Organization - What's Ahead
The Patent Organization - What's Ahead
Building on the solid infrastructure of the 21st Century Strategic Plan of 2002, in FY 2006 the USPTO identified additional strategies for achieving its goals that address the emerging challenges of the 21st century, such as the increasingly globalized business environment and its impact on both the patent process and its products. Rapid scientific advances in technologies not only contribute to the growing complexity of applications, but also increase world competition for individuals trained in these subject areas. The advent of electronic work environments has raised the bar on user expectations for accessing information and communicating, bringing the issues of secure and reliable electronic systems into focus as never before.
In FY 2007 and beyond, the Patent organization will continue to emphasize the importance of quality and timely examination. To build and retain the high-quality examiner corps needed, the Patent organization will enhance recruitment to hire 1,200 examiners a year from FY 2007 through FY 2012. Results of training provided through the Patent Training Academy will be evaluated, and modified as necessary to optimize employee acquisition of the skills necessary to efficiently complete a quality examination and effectively communicate with applicants.
