Public Records Division/Public Information Services Division

Public Records Division/Public Information Services Division
Public User's Meeting
March 19, 2008
2:00 p.m. Jefferson Building Conference Center

The Public User's Meeting was held at 2:00 p.m. in the 1st floor conference room 1D70/1D80 of the Jefferson Building at 500 Dulany Street on the USPTO campus in Alexandria, Virginia. Amanda Putnam, Manager of PRD, chaired the meeting. There were 2 members of the public in attendance.

Public Search Facility (PSF) Updates

The paper classified word mark collection has been completely microfilmed and is available in the Public Search Facility. The remaining design mark collection should be completely microfilmed by late fall. The last paper will be removed from the South Tower search facility on September 8, 2008, and the facility will close as of September 5. Improvements in signage are being made for the microfilm collection. The card catalog is being improved with better labeling and changes in location to improve access.

Individual public users are sharing database access, i.e. through ID sharing, changing passwords, etc. PSF Management and Staff are concerned about possible repercussions.

Some users have complained about the attitude of the Helpdesk when seeking assistance with WIFI connectivity problems in the PSF. Helpdesk reps will receive training from the new manager to preclude poor customer service in the future.

Public notice about EAST version 2.2 deployment on Monday, March 24, 2008, was posted in the search facility. This version of the software will include the following improvements: saved document will retain highlighted search terms; patent document numbers can be entered with or without commas. Detailed information is available at on-line Assistance Desks located in each facility.

Question: Are there any added features? This application release simply improves upon existing features or implements corrections to existing features.

User Comment: Examiners are not getting back to users who call them for assistance. There should be some heightened sensitivity on the examiners' part about returning phone calls. Is it possible to set-up a room/conference room(s) to use for video conferencing with hoteling examiners? Formerly a SPE used to assign an examiner to help out searchers Â- or have someone on call to help the searchers as needed. This concern was submitted to the Commissioner of Patents office after the meeting.

PRD Updates

The shuttle is once again stopping between the buildings (South Tower/North Tower) to pick-up and drop-off. Soon access to the front of the building will be available, also. The move to new space in Shirlington scheduled to take place in January of 2009. It will be handled floor by floor.

The meeting adjourned at 3:00 p.m. Next meeting is April 16, 2008, at 2:00 p.m. in the Jefferson Conference Center room 1D70/1D80.