On Line Chat for Independent Inventors (28FEB2008)

This is a transcript of the on-line chat held on Thursday, February 28, 2008. This final version is an edited version of the actual transcript. Where you see “edited answer” below, the original on-line chat answer has been modified to ensure completeness and accuracy of the answers originally provided by USPTO staff.

As in our previous chats held so far, we received hundreds more questions then we had time to answer. We selected questions for posting which we believed would be of interest to others besides the author of the question. Once we selected the question, we developed the answer, and then posted the question and the answer for viewing by the public. During the actual chat, occasionally the answer was actually posted before the public saw the question. This edited transcript always has the question before the answer. In reviewing the transcript below, if you see the time of the answer before the time of the question, we originally posted them out of sequence.

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USPTO Expert: (Feb 28, 2008 2:00:31 PM)
Welcome to today's On-Line chat, we will begin answering questions at 2:00 pm. Please note that all questions posted are not answered, we try to select the questions that appeal to the overall audience. While you wait for the chat to start please visit our transcripts from previous chats at http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/com/iip/transcripts.htm

Agus:
How do I obtain a packet of information?
USPTO Expert: (Feb 28, 2008 2:10:41 PM)
Agus, You should contact our Inventors Assistance Center at 1-800-786-9199 for information about filing an application.

Sammy: (Feb 28, 2008 2:11:54 PM)
After coming up with my patent idea, what would be the next logical step. an attorney I contaced said to do a patent search at this website, but i'm not sure how to go about it.
USPTO Expert3: (Feb 28, 2008 2:08:52 PM)
Sammy - The first step is to do a thorough patent search. You can get assistance by visiting a Patent & Trademark Depository Library (PTDL). You can find a list of all the PTDL's at http://www.uspto.gov/go/ptdl/
USPTO Expert3: (Feb 28, 2008 2:11:58 PM)
Sammy - continued. You should also visit the USPTO website at http://www.uspto.gov/patft/index.html to find out more about searching on our website.

Mombera: (Feb 28, 2008 2:12:15 PM)
My question would be regarding the amount of time an examiner has to respond to an office action wherein a select species was presented by the examiner and an answer to a selection of the species was filed before the 30 day period
USPTO Expert2: (Feb 28, 2008 2:12:30 PM)
Mombera, Your response is scanned electronically into our Image File Wrapper (IFW) system and then it is posted to the examiner's docket. The examiner has between 2 and 2 1/2 months to prepare the next action.

Janie: (Feb 28, 2008 2:12:45 PM)
Is it good to file a provisional patent?
USPTO Expert: (Feb 28, 2008 2:13:41 PM)
Janie, provisional application offer you a one-year period for which to perfect your invention, raise capital for further patent work or to see if there is an interest from investors. You must file a non-provisional application within one year from the filing date of the provisional application if you want to claim the benefit of the filing date of the provisional application in your non-provisional application. Provisional applications are not examined and cannot issue as a patent and are not available for design inventions.

Janie: (Feb 28, 2008 2:14:33 PM)
Is there a federal program to assist inventors with start up costs?
USPTO Expert: (Feb 28, 2008 2:15:50 PM)
Janie, no there is no federal program, you may want to look for a small business development center (SBDC) in your area, they are partially funded by the Small Business Administration (SBA) and assist entrepreneurs in their state.

JS: (Feb 28, 2008 2:15:55 PM)
I am only seeing USPTO expert's chat, not any users. If this is normal, can you please post the original question being asked?
USPTO Expert2: (Feb 28, 2008 2:16:29 PM)
JS, Yes this is normal, you will only see the questions we post and the answers that we provide.

Sheena: (Feb 28, 2008 2:17:34 PM)
I was also wondering if I should I submit a research proposal, that reveals some details of a non-patented invention, to a Fellowship program? How can I disclose some details of such an invention, but still have it "protected", before I file for a patent. Long story short, proposal is due Saturday, but I plan to go forth with the patent filing process immediately afterwards.
USPTO Expert: (Feb 28, 2008 2:18:54 PM)
Sheena you may want to consider asking them to sign a non-disclosure agreement, we do not provide these forms but you may be able to find one on-line, i.e. www.les.org. You should also remember there is a 1-year grace period in the U.S. for public disclosure. That is, if one discloses his or her own invention more than 1 year before the filing of the patent application, that person is barred from obtaining a patent (see 35 U.S.C. 102(b)).]

Sheena: (Feb 28, 2008 2:19:10 PM)
Hi there....I'm wondering if you can you get a design patent for something that works based on a utility patented invention?
USPTO Expert3: (Feb 28, 2008 2:19:12 PM)
Sheena - A single invention can receive both utility and design patents. You can apply for a design patent for the way your invention looks - that is, for its aesthetic appearance. How it works, or even whether it works at all, is of no concern in a design patent.

Geo: (Feb 28, 2008 2:20:05 PM)
I have read that a provisional no longer must be co-pending with a utility for the utility to claim priority from it - but it seems that it still has to be within 1 year, so how does this work?
USPTO Expert: (Feb 28, 2008 2:21:05 PM) EDITED ANSWER
Geo, in order to claim the benefit of the filing date of a provisional application you must file your non-provisional application within one year of the filing date of the provisional application. It does not matter whether your non-provisional application is copending with the provisional application when you file your non-provisional application. A provisional application is automatically abandoned by law after one year from the filing date of the provisional application.

Rosie: (Feb 28, 2008 2:21:07 PM)
Hi not sue if I am doing this right I was wondering once you go to an attorne how do you protect your idea from them
USPTO Expert2: (Feb 28, 2008 2:21:10 PM)
Rosie, patent attorneys are registered to practice before the USPTO. They must follow regulations established by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. If they fail to follow those regulations they might loose their right to practice law before the office.

AquaMan: (Feb 28, 2008 2:21:20 PM)
What forms do I need for trademarks?
USPTO Expert3: (Feb 28, 2008 2:21:43 PM)
AquaMan - You can find all the forms that can be used for electronic filings at the USPTO website at http://www.uspto.gov/teas/index.html

Kathy: (Feb 28, 2008 2:21:50 PM)
Can I file a petition to add inadvertently omitted material under 37 c.f.r. section 1.57(a)electronically?
USPTO Expert: (Feb 28, 2008 2:22:52 PM)
Kathy, yes, you can file a petition electronically. The USPTO encourages the filing of all petitions electronically. go to http://www.uspto.gov/ebc/indexebc.html for additional information.

EPR: (Feb 28, 2008 2:24:18 PM)
How detailed do drawings have to be for a provisional appliation?
USPTO Expert2: (Feb 28, 2008 2:24:19 PM) EDITED ANSWER
EPR - The rules governing drawings for non-provisional applications also apply to provisional applications. See 37 CFR 1.81, 1.83 and 1.84 (available at http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/mpep/consolidated_rules.pdf ). As noted in 37 CFR 1.83, the drawings must show every feature of the invention but need not show conventional features.

Adam: (Feb 28, 2008 2:24:34 PM)
Regarding Sammy's question, what are some tips for patent searches. I have trouble with the search returning too many results, and when refined, does not return enough.
USPTO Expert: (Feb 28, 2008 2:24:37 PM)
Any of the 85 Patent and Trademark Depository Libraries can assist you with learning how to perform an on-line search. Go to http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/ac/ido/ptdl/index.html for additional information.

Atreasure: (Feb 28, 2008 2:25:43 PM)
Do you have any experience either positive or negative with Legalzoom.com? It seems to be a means for some to file without a great deal of capital.
USPTO Expert: (Feb 28, 2008 2:26:45 PM)
We cannot comment about any outside companies that provide services, however you may want to visit our Inventors Resource page for information everyone should have before doing business with them. go to http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/com/iip/complaints.htm

Birdy:
Can I get a design patent for a fashion design
USPTO Expert3: (Feb 28, 2008 2:28:34 PM)
Birdy, A fashion design may receive a design patent. The appearance of the entire article, like a dress, can be patented, or even just a portion of the article, such as a collar, can be patented. Your claim would consist of clear ink drawings of your design with any unclaimed portions shown in broken lines.

Ralph: (Feb 28, 2008 2:28:56 PM)
How does a person document a patent search to submit as a requirement for a speedy review?
USPTO Expert: (Feb 28, 2008 2:30:19 PM)
Ralph, please see http://www.uspto.gov/web/patents/accelerated/ , specifically the "Guidelines" section

JD: (Feb 28, 2008 2:30:24 PM)
Would the provisional application be better, even if you have the capital to do the research and perfect your idea?
USPTO Expert2 (Feb 28, 2008 2:31:17 PM)
JD - the use of a provisional application has some negatives as well as positives. The filing of a provisional application starts your clock ticking from filing a non-provisional application, as well as, for filing in other countries. You need to weigh both provisional and non-provisional applications as part of your overall business plan.

Sammy: (Feb 28, 2008 2:31:25 PM)
Where can I find a list of registered attorneys with the USPTO in my area?
USPTO Expert: (Feb 28, 2008 2:31:26 PM)
Sammy, Our web site maintains a roster of registered patent attorneys/agents, go to http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/dcom/olia/oed/roster/index.html to search on our web site.

Linda: (Feb 28, 2008 2:32:06 PM)
What is the difference between a claim and a dependent claim?
USPTO Expert2: (Feb 28, 2008 2:33:37 PM) EDITED ANSWER
Linda - a dependent claim contains a reference to a claim previously set forth and then specify a further limitation of the subject matter claimed. For example, claim 1. recites a composition comprising a metal and saline. A dependent claim would be claim 2. The composition of claim 1 wherein the metal is aluminum.

**BetterThanEric: (Feb 28, 2008 2:33:57 PM)
Where can I find information about copyrights?
USPTO Expert: (Feb 28, 2008 2:33:59 PM)
BetterthanEric, Copyrights are handled by the Copyright Office which is part of the Library of Congress, go to www.copyrightoffice.gov

Geo: (Feb 28, 2008 2:35:15 PM)
I understand that design applications can not get priority from provisionals, but that design applications can be a divisional of a utility patent (assuming the Utility has drawings showing the ornamentation). My question is: What if a Provisional is converted to a Utility? Can that Utility then have a divisional design application, effectively getting the provisional's date?
USPTO Expert3: (Feb 28, 2008 2:35:18 PM) EDITED ANSWER
Geo - If you "convert" a provisional application into a non-provisional application (see 37 CFR 1.53(c)(3)), and NOT just filing a non-provisional application that claims the benefit of the filing date of the provisional application, then you may file a divisional design application that claims the benefit of the original filing date (which is the filing date of the now converted non-provisional application). However, if you have originally filed a provisional application and then within one year you filed a non-provisional application claiming the benefit of the filing date of the provisional application then your divisional design application stemming from the non-provisional application would only be entitled to the benefit of the filing date of the non-provisional application and NOT the benefit of the filing date of the provisional application. Designs may not claim benefit to a provisional application.

Lynne: (Feb 28, 2008 2:37:24 PM)
I am considering applying for a provisional patent as opposed to a "standard" (is that the right term?) patent. The lawyer fees for either one exceed my budget. Do you have a guide for researching the "prior art" and/or any other time consuming details that I can utilize from home?
USPTO Expert: (Feb 28, 2008 2:37:49 PM)
Lynne, a "standard" patent application is called non-provisional patent application. As patents are legal documents the Office encourages independent inventors to consult a licensed patent agent or attorney. If they are unfamiliar with the process. However, there are many things independent inventors can do to help reduce the cost of their applications, such as writing a draft application and conducting a search. The PTO web site ( http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/com/iip/index.htm ) has information for independent inventors. The staff on our help line are available to answer questions at 1-800-786-9199. In addition, information is available at Patent Depository Libraries. A list of libraries is available at http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/ac/ido/ptdl/index.html

Contract3d: (Feb 28, 2008 2:37:55 PM)
And further, what are the implications re date of invention when moving from provisional to non-prov and international filings?
USPTO Expert2: (Feb 28, 2008 2:38:03 PM) EDITED ANSWER
Contract 3d - The US has a first to invent system and therefore, recognizes the date of invention when determining which inventor invented first. All other countries have a first to file system which rely on the filing date of the application to determine which inventor was the first to file and therefore, entitled to a patent.

Bluegrass: (Feb 28, 2008 2:38:29 PM)
How do you convert a provisional to a non provisional?
USPTO Expert3: (Feb 28, 2008 2:38:31 PM) EDITED ANSWER
Bluegrass - It would be easier to just file the application as a non-provisional application and claim benefit to the provisional application. If you are interested in actually "converting" a provisional application to a non-provisional application, see 37 CFR 1.53(c)(3) (available at http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/mpep/consolidated_rules.pdf ).

1234Angela: (Feb 28, 2008 2:39:15 PM)
If you have a working model of your invention can this be used when applying for a provisional patent?
USPTO Expert: (Feb 28, 2008 2:40:44 PM)
1234Angela, Drawings are required in a provisional application (if necessary for the understanding) of the invention, go to 37 CFR. 1.84

MrsLMA: (Feb 28, 2008 2:40:49 PM)
Filing a Provisional app. gives me affordable means to obtain protection while seeking out manufacturers (Patent Pending). But I know that my invention will only get Design credits in the long run. Do I forfeit my ability to claim the early filing date if I file for Design within a year? What is best?
USPTO Expert3: (Feb 28, 2008 2:40:50 PM)
MrsLMA - Unfortunately any design application you file cannot receive benefit of the earlier filing date of a provisional application. So the earlier you file your design application, the better.

Mai: (Feb 28, 2008 2:41:48 PM)
Can someone file a theory such as E=mc3 for patent?
USPTO Expert2: (Feb 28, 2008 2:42:32 PM) EDITED ANSWER
Mai - Under 35 U.S.C. 101, a patent can only be granted for any new and useful process, machine, manufacture, or composition of matter and any useful improvement thereof and cannot be granted for an abstract idea or a mere mathematical formula.

Su2z: (Feb 28, 2008 2:44:04 PM)
Can a provisional application be filed for an invention that will be filed as a design patent?
USPTO Expert3: (Feb 28, 2008 2:44:05 PM)
Su2z - No, there are no provisional applications for designs.

Jeff-G: (Feb 28, 2008 2:44:33 PM)
In the course of prosecuting several of my inventions, I have seen that Examiner's have a propensity to come back with an "obviousness" argument that combines one reference he finds with a second reference he finds. One could argue that it is only obvious that one might combine these 2 elements because the invention has been revealed (by the patent application), but someone would otherwise not have thought of making this combination. So my question is: what are the criteria that the Examiner is supposed to use when applying the obviousness argument when two references are combined in the argument ?
USPTO Expert: (Feb 28, 2008 2:44:56 PM)
jeff g, Patent examiners follow the guidelines set forth by the USPTO in determining in what is obvious. These guidelines are available at http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/mpep/documents/2100_2141.htm

Question:
How can I find out if a mark can be registered
USPTO Expert3: (Feb 28, 2008 2:47:07 PM)
You can search the records of the USPTO at our website at http://tess2.uspto.gov/bin/gate.exe?f=tess&state=suk7jb.1.1 . However, you should be aware that this database only includes marks that have been applied to be registered or are actually registered as trademarks in the USPTO. There may be entities that are using marks similar to yours that have not registered or applied to register them at the USPTO. A more extensive search of state and public records should be done as well. You can get further information concerning these matters at your nearest Patent and Trademark Depository Library. The libraries are listed at our website at http://www.uspto.gov/go/ptdl/ .

Mombera: (Feb 28, 2008 2:47:12 PM)
During an examination does the examiner factor in the proviosional filing date ?
USPTO Expert2: (Feb 28, 2008 2:47:29 PM) EDITED ANSWER
Mombera - When an examiner is examining a non-provisional application that claims the benefit of the filing date of a provisional application, the examiner will take into consideration the filing date of the provisional application in determining prior art only for the claimed subject matter in the non-provisional application that has support in the provisional application.

AquaMan: (Feb 28, 2008 2:49:03 PM)
What is the difference between a Trademark and a Copyright?
USPTO Expert3: (Feb 28, 2008 2:49:04 PM)
A trademark is a word, symbol, design or any combination thereof that identifies the goods or services of a particular entity and distinguishes them from the goods and services of other entities. A copyright protects the expression of an idea. They are two very different forms of intellectual property with different parameters of protection.

Ralph: (Feb 28, 2008 2:51:08 PM)
Does an application go into que when the provisonal is filed or when the actual application is filed.?
USPTO Expert2: (Feb 28, 2008 2:51:59 PM) EDITED ANSWER
Ralph - A provisional application is not examined and therefore, does not go into the examination que when the provisional application is filed. When you file a non-provisional application that claims the benefit of the filing date of the provisional application, the non-provisional application is placed in the examination que based on its own filing date.

Jm: (Feb 28, 2008 2:52:15 PM)
Why is it that when I call the EFS Help Center with a specific question I rarely get an answer other than, "I don't know?" Usuallly they send me to the Inventor's Assistance Center, which has not been trained in the use of EFS. Even so, the IAC is more helpful in using EFS than the EFS Help Center.
USPTO Expert: (Feb 28, 2008 2:52:17 PM)
jm, The USPTO is always looking for input from our customers, we appreciate your comments and will forward to the appropriate Office.

Sheena: (Feb 28, 2008 2:52:26 PM)
trying to make this a bit clearer .....if u take a game of dancing apples (where the game rules are utility-patented), and change it to a game of dancing oranges (still using the utility patented game rules), can you get a design patent on the game of dancing oranges? Basically a design patent on top of another inventor's utility patented invention. If so, and you sell this new product that has your patented design, but "someone elses " utility-patented functionality, then what rights does the owner of that utility-patented design, which you are using, have?
USPTO Expert3: (Feb 28, 2008 2:52:31 PM) EDITED ANSWER
Sheena Consulting a lawyer is advisable. ["Questions regarding infringement and rights of the patent holder should be directed to a registered patent attorney or agent."]

JD: (Feb 28, 2008 2:53:15 PM)
Do other countries, such as Japan, follow your approval and issuing of a patent? I realize there may still be fees to other countries. But do you have to go through all the hoops each and everytime you take you product in to a new country or market?
USPTO Expert2: (Feb 28, 2008 2:53:18 PM)
JD - At this time their is no "world patent." If you want patent protection in foreign countries, you have to file patent applications in those countries and follow their processes and procedures.

CuriousAbout: (Feb 28, 2008 2:54:06 PM)
I'm from Pittsburgh, pa. Where can I go to get a Patent?
USPTO Expert2: (Feb 28, 2008 2:55:15 PM)
CuriousAbout - The patents are filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office at the Alexandria, VA via mail or on-line. Please visit our website at www.uspto.gov for additional information on how to file a patent application.

Prometheus: (Feb 28, 2008 2:57:11 PM)
Is there a limit to the amount of money I can establish in a deposit account?
USPTO Expert: (Feb 28, 2008 2:58:19 PM)
Prometheus, the minimum balance is $1000.00, please go to http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/ac/comp/fin/faqdepac.htm

Heidi455: (Feb 28, 2008 2:58:23 PM)
In the December Chat Expert 3 wrote "Patent pending does not guarantee patent protection, but once a patent is issued you may have provisional rights to the time of patent pending status if infringed. " Where can I find more info on such provisional rights?
USPTO Expert2: (Feb 28, 2008 3:00:26 PM)
We need to go back and capture the question from our December chat. We will include that question and the answer in our transcript which should be available on line within the next couple of weeks.

Baileys: (Feb 28, 2008 3:00:34 PM)
re trademarks - does the trademark cover just the symbol or the symbol and verbage?
USPTO Expert3: (Feb 28, 2008 3:00:38 PM)
Baileys - A trademark is whatever the trademark user wants it to be - provided it complies with the requirements and prohibitions of US Trademark law. A trademark can be a word, symbol, design or combination there of. It is not necessarily just a work or just a design - it can be either or both.

Su2z: (Feb 28, 2008 3:01:28 PM)
If a trademark that I am interested was applied for by someone else but they abandonded their application and it is now dead can I apply for the same trademark?
USPTO Expert3: (Feb 28, 2008 3:02:15 PM)
You can apply for the trademark but you should be aware that just because an application has been abandoned in the USPTO, it does not mean that the owner of that mark is no longer using the mark. Use of a mark by another can cause problems further down the line in the form of an opposition or cancellation proceeding.

Comatson: (Feb 28, 2008 3:02:34 PM)
I am a new inventor, How do I start the patent process, should I sign with a "patent agency" and if so, how do I know that my idea is protected. Also, If I use a google search for patents, is that good enough?
USPTO Expert: (Feb 28, 2008 3:02:37 PM)
The Office strongly suggests you review information we have that all inventors should be aware of before doing business with any invention promotion firm, go to http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/com/iip/index.htm . As far as moving forward get information from our Office about the patent process, consider the public library for self help books or look for a local inventors group at www.uiausa.org Also visit a PTDL for assistance with searching, http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/ac/ido/ptdl/index.html

1234Angela: (Feb 28, 2008 3:02:45 PM)
Is there a weblink to go to the reference you made in my original question? 37 CRF 1.84
USPTO Expert: (Feb 28, 2008 3:03:08 PM)
1234Angela, here is the link, http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/mpep/consolidated_rules.pdf

Baileys: (Feb 28, 2008 3:03:12 PM)
Do you need an attoprney to file for a trademark?
USPTO Expert3: (Feb 28, 2008 3:04:00 PM)
You do not have to use an attorney to file a trademark application but it is recommended since the prosecution of a trademark application can get complicated.

Comatson: (Feb 28, 2008 3:05:41 PM)
How do I contact the inventor's assisstance center?
USPTO Expert2: (Feb 28, 2008 3:05:42 PM)
Comatson - the phone number to the Inventor's Assistance Center is 1-800-786-9199.

1234Angela: (Feb 28, 2008 3:06:28 PM)
Can photos of the working article be used, or must the drawing be 'hand drawn?"
USPTO Expert3: (Feb 28, 2008 3:06:28 PM)
1234Angela - There are limited instances in which photographs may be submitted. See 37 CFR 1.84(a)(2) and (b)(1) and (b)(2) regarding photographs (available at http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/mpep/consolidated_rules.pdf ). Generally, photographs do not reproduce well, which could affect the patent holder's rights in court. For design patents, the visual disclosure is critical, so photographs are permitted only when the design cannot be illustrated in pen and ink.

ZANE714:
Can I register a business name as a trademark?
USPTO Expert3: (Feb 28, 2008 3:09:39 PM)
zane714 - You can register a business name as a trademark IF it is being used as a trademark. A trademark must identify the goods and services of a particular entity - it is not intended to identify the entity itself which is what a business name does.

Patience: (Feb 28, 2008 3:09:45 PM)
FYI - I tried to search all 225 patents granted for interactive television and was only able to retrieve the first 50, an error/truncated messge followed...can you fix this so that we can review the remaining 175?
USPTO Expert: (Feb 28, 2008 3:09:59 PM)
patience, we will answer your question in our transcript to be posted in about 2 weeks on the homepage, www.uspto.gov

MG: (Feb 28, 2008 3:10:16 PM)
For example, Provisional was filed in 2003 with no claims, then nonprovisional was filed in 2006 with claims but is based on the provisional that was filed in 2003, would the patent term start in 2003 or 2006?
USPTO Expert2: (Feb 28, 2008 3:10:22 PM) EDITED ANSWER
MG - to claim to the benefit of the filing date of a provisional application, a non-provisional application must be filed within one year of the filing date of the provisional application. So in your case, the non-provisional application would not be entitled to the benefit of the filing date of the provisional application since the non-provisional application was filed more than one year from the filing date of the provisional application. Patent term is a separate issue from whether a non-provisional application can claim the benefit of the filing date of a provisional application. Patent term is never measured from the filing date of the provisional application. It is measured from the filing date of a non-provisional application. See 35 U.S.C. 154(a)(2) and (a)(3) (available at http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/mpep/consolidated_laws.pdf ).

Nds2kw: (Feb 28, 2008 3:10:30 PM)
Can a slogan be trademark or copyright even if it was already do in a foreign language?
USPTO Expert3: (Feb 28, 2008 3:10:49 PM)
nds2kw - a slogan can be registered as a trademark even if it is in a foreign language. You will be asked for a translation of the foreign terminology in the course of the prosecution of the application. Your copyright question should be directed to the US Copyright Office.

Nepal: (Feb 28, 2008 3:11:16 PM)
What are the major resources that can be relied on for patent searching for patentability, infringement, and validity ? A local PDTL staff tells me that no one is using PDTL these days. Please let me know what options I have.
USPTO Expert2: (Feb 28, 2008 3:12:00 PM)
Nepal - PTDL still report that over one million visitors use their services each year. We highly recommend that you visit your local PTDL. Individual PTDLs very widely usage statistics.

USPTO Expert: (Feb 28, 2008 3:13:56 PM)
Thank you for joining us today, as usual we receive far more questions than we can answer, and only the questions that were posted today receive answers. If you did not see your question, please visit our FAQ's from previous chats, http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/com/iip/transcripts.htm or contact our Inventors Assistance Center at 1-800-786-9199. Our transcript should be posted in about 2 weeks on the homepage. Our next chat will be in April, have a good afternoon!