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Building on the solid infrastructure of
the 21st Century Strategic Plan of 2002, in FY 2006 the USPTO
identified additional strategies for achieving its goals that address
the emerging challenges of the 21st century, such as the increasingly
globalized business environment and its impact on both the patent process
and its products. Rapid scientific advances in technologies not only contribute
to the growing complexity of applications, but also increase world competition
for individuals trained in these subject areas. The advent of electronic
work environments has raised the bar on user expectations for accessing
information and communicating, bringing the issues of secure and reliable
electronic systems into focus as never before.
In FY 2007 and beyond, the Patent organization will continue to emphasize
the importance of quality and timely examination. To build and retain
the high-quality examiner corps needed, the Patent organization will enhance
recruitment to hire 1,200 examiners a year from FY 2007 through FY 2012.
Results of training provided through the Patent Training Academy will
be evaluated, and modified as necessary to optimize employee acquisition
of the skills necessary to efficiently complete a quality examination
and effectively communicate with applicants.
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