Patent Assistance Center

   In an effort to support the reengineering of the patent process at the
Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) (see Official Gazette Notice entitled
"Reengineering the Patent Process" at 1187 Off. Gaz. Pat. Office 37
(June 11, 1996)), the PTO is piloting a Patent Assistance Center to
provide enhanced telephone service to patent customers. This pilot is
the PTO's first step toward providing a "one-stop service." During the
pilot, the Patent Assistance Center will be housed within the current
General Information Services Division (GISD) located in Crystal Plaza 3,
Room 2C02. Questions and inquires regarding technical assistance on
patent applications that are beyond the scope/purview of the General
Information Services Division will be answered by the Patent Assistance
Center. Questions specific to a pending patent application will be
directed to the assigned examiner. The Patent Assistance Center will be
staffed by a highly qualified, experienced, and customer friendly
personnel. Customers may contact the Patent Assistance Center from 8:30
a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST by dialing GISD at 1-800 PTO-9199 or (703)
308-HELP.
   The Patent Assistance Center will utilize a state-of-the-art
telecommunications/PC integration system. This system will be used to
gather data on customers' most frequently asked questions. These
questions will be analyzed and an informational database will be
developed to quickly provide answers. Customer Feedback Cards will be
randomly sent to callers requesting feedback on their satisfaction with
the products and services received.

Point of Contact for this Notice:

Name: Stuart S. Levy
Telephone Number: (703) 308-1295
Fax Number: (703) 305-3594

June 6, 1996                                      FRED SCHMIDT, Director
                                        Office of Strategic Planning and
                                                    Patent Reengineering