Note 3. Non-Entity Assets

Non-entity assets consist of amounts held on deposit for the convenience of the USPTO customers and fees collected on behalf of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the European Patent Office (EPO). Customers have the option of maintaining a deposit account at the USPTO to facilitate the order process. Customers can draw from their deposit account when they place an order and can replenish their deposit account as desired. Funds maintained in customer deposit accounts are not available for the USPTO use until an order has been placed. Once an order has been placed, the funds are reclassified to entity funds. Also, in accordance with the Patent Cooperation Treaty and the Madrid Protocol Implementation Act, the USPTO collects international fees on behalf of the WIPO and the EPO.

Non-Entity Assets as of September 30, 2008 and 2007 (Dollars in Thousands) 2008 2007 Fund Balance with Treasury:     Intragovernmental Deposit Accounts $  4,535 $  4,779 Other Customer Deposit Accounts   96,168   86,206 Patent Cooperation Treaty Account   11,423    8,928 Madrid Protocol Account      299      447 Total Fund Balance with Treasury  112,425  100,360 Cash:     Other Customer Deposit Accounts      772      884 Patent Cooperation Treaty Account      175      134 Madrid Protocol Account       12        3 Accounts Receivable:     Patent Cooperation Treaty Account        —    4,655 Total Non-Entity Assets $113,384 $106,036

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