Department of Commerce
                 Patent and Trademark Office 
                               
                      Paper Search Files
                               
                               
      The Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) is exploring options for relying less on paper as
  electronic search file enhancements are becoming readily and more cheaply available. 
  These options would include adjustments to the paper files in the patent Public Search
  Room and patent examiners' search rooms.  Options could simplify any possible future
  relocation of the PTO, and will take into consideration the automated data bases now
  available for searching by both the examiners and the public.  The PTO wants to consider
  short term trade-offs, as well as options for the long term.  A public meeting will be
  conducted to receive comments on all aspects or issues that should be included as part of
  this review.
  
  The purpose of the meeting is to identify issues that should be considered as part of a
  review to minimize reliance on and use of paper files. Preliminary issues identified for
  review may include the following:
  
  
  1.  Should the PTO reduce redundant or underutilized U.S. and foreign paper search files
  for patents in the PTO?  Additional questions for review include the following: 
  
     a. If there are redundant or underutilized paper search files of patents, what
       and where are they?
  
     b. If the PTO reduces its reliance on the paper search files of patents, what
       should be the plan for doing so?
  
     c. How should the PTO dispose of paper search files of patents found to be
       surplus? (i.e., destroy, send to a warehouse for storage, etc.)
  
  
  2.  Should the PTO change its policy on automated patent system access?  Related
  questions for review include:
  
     a. Should the PTO suspend the fees for using the automated patent search
       systems if the paper search files are removed from the public search
       facilities?
  
     b. What is the relationship between quantity, location and availability of
       computer workstations needed and changes made to the availability of
       paper files of patents for both the public and examining corps?
  
     c. Are automated patent image and text search acceptable substitutes for
       the paper files?  If they are not acceptable, should the PTO establish
       additional criteria, and what should these be?
  
  
  3.  Should the PTO remove U.S. patents from the prosecution file histories which are
  stored in the files repositories?
  
  
  The meeting will be held on February 11, 1997, beginning at 1:30 p.m. and ending no later
  than 4:00 p.m.  It will be held in Suite 819 of Crystal Park 1, located at 2011 Crystal
  Drive, Arlington, VA.  Written comments must be submitted on or before February 28,
  1997.
  
  Address written comments to the Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks, Attention:
  Wesley H. Gewehr, Administrator for Information Dissemination, Crystal Park 3,
  Suite 451, Washington, D.C. 20231, or fax to (703) 306-2737.  Written comments should
  include suggestions on issues that should be a part of the PTO's review of options. 
  
  For Further Information Contact: Cheryl E. Kazenske, Manager, Public Search Services
  Division, by telephone at (703) 308-3040 or by mail to Patent and Trademark Office,
  Public Search Services Division, Crystal Plaza 3, Room 2C04, Washington, D.C. 20231.
  
  
  
  
  
                                                                                                               
   Date                  Lawrence J. Goffney, Jr. 
                         Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce and
                         Acting Deputy Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks