IMPORTANT PATENT FEE INFORMATION

A Continuing Resolution appropriations bill (H.J. RES. 128), passed by the Congress and awaiting the President’s signature, would maintain patent fees at their current (fiscal year 1998) rates through October 9, 1998.

Upon signature by the President, patent fees will remain at fiscal year 1998 rates through October 9, 1998.

Legislation is still pending in the Congress to set new patent fee rates for fiscal year 1999. If an appropriations or authorization bill setting new patent fee rates is enacted prior to October 9, 1998, it may supersede H.J. RES. 128.

We advise patent customers to submit patent fees at the fiscal year 1998 rates until an appropriations or authorization bill setting new patent fee rates is enacted.

We also advise patent customers to refer to the official PTO website (www.uspto.gov), or contact the PTO General Information Services Division at (703) 308-4357 or
(800) PTO-9199 for the most current fee amounts and information.