On Tuesday, August 3, 1999 between 12:00 noon and 1:00 p.m., Acting Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks Q. Todd Dickinson will be available on-line to answer questions from the public on issues related to the work of the PTO.

This open on-line dialog is a first for a PTO Commissioner, and is another example of the agency's commitment to the Clinton/Gore Administration's policy of bringing government to the people.

Participation is simple. Just come to this Web site's home page at www.uspto.gov between 12:00 noon and 1:00 p.m. on August 3^rd, click on the link marked "On-Line Conversation with the Commissioner," and straightforward instructions will guide you through the process.

There will be a few basic groundrules:

• There will be two ways to participate--either as a questioner or an observer. Questioners can remain anonymous if they choose. Observers are always anonymous.
• Only one question per individual will be answered.
• No questions regarding specific matters in litigation will be addressed.
• After asking a question, one should exit the discussion forum and become an observer.