Public Records Division (PRD)/Public Search Services Division (PSSD)
Public User's Meeting
Wednesday, April 21, 2010 2:00 p.m.
Remsen Building Conference Center
The Public User's Meeting was held at 2:00 p.m. in the 1st floor conference room 1D04/1D14 of the Remsen Building at 400 Dulany Street on the USPTO campus in Alexandria, Virginia. Martha Sneed, Director of PSSD, chaired the meeting. There were 5 member(s) of the public in attendance.
Announcements
- Public Search Facility (PSF) is running out of shelf space out front for the Trademark Register bound volumes. Collection shifting will take place in May/June to make room. No collection will be removed from PSF, but there will be shifting to shelving at the back of the first floor near Atrium windows.
- Security strips will be inserted in the microfilm within the coming weeks, exact date to be announced. While this occurs, some microfilm will be removed. If a reel you need is missing, please contact staff.
Question: Will backfile collections of microfiche/microfilm that are not already in electronic format ever be converted? Back file projects are difficult to get funded as the focus is on processing front file information. It may happen someday.
Public Search Facility Updates
UPWS - There is nothing to report in the near future as far as changes/upgrades.
Question: I previously asked about USPTO Director Kappos being invited to attend a Public User's Meeting to address the topic of access to patent examiners for search strategy guidance? Answer: Sorry...we thought we already responded to this. This is not a Public Search Facility issue, it is a Patents issue. You may request a meeting directly with Director Kappos via email or letter, outlining the nature of the meeting request.
Public Records Division Updates
No updates at this time.
Comment: The certified copy order form is marked draft. Answer: It was explained to her that the form could be "tweeked" somewhat to suit the individual users needs.
Question: Since her name is on the deposit account, does this allow her to order and receive certified copies of applications-as-filed? Answer: No, being named on the deposit account means that the individual may authorize payment from the account for orders placed. In order to place and receive an order for certified copies of applications-as-filed you must be either the attorney of record, provide power-to-inspect documentation.
Question: Then how is it possible that I was able to order copies online without power-to-inspect, etc.? If the patent is published the public has access to it. However, if the patent has not yet been published only someone who is authorized my view it or receive/order copies.
Comment: A public user is having a problem getting assignment numbered over 19000 and was advised that number is too high for reel/frame numbers. He was also instructed to go through Certification Section for copies. Joyce Johnson from Assignment Recordation Branch is looking into the situation.
The April 21, 2010 Public User's Meeting was adjourned at 2:35pm. Next meeting is scheduled for May 19, 2010 at 2:00pm in the Remsen conference center, room 1D04/1D14.