The USPTO submitted its Virtual Marking Report (September 16) and Satellite Office Report (September 29) to Congress.
As stated in the USPTO press release: "In the Virtual Marking Report, the agency addressed the effectiveness of
virtually marking an article with the word "patent" or abbreviation
"pat." followed by a website address where the article is associated
with the relevant protective patents as an alternative to physically marking
the article with the patent information. The Report also addressed whether
virtual marking has limited or improved the public's access to patent
information along with potential legal issues that arise from virtual marking.
Lastly, the agency considered possible deficiencies in constructive notice
arising from virtual marking as compared with physical marking. Information
contained in the Virtual Marking Report was drawn from public input provided in
response to a Federal Register Notice.
In the Satellite Office Report, the agency explained the criteria used to
select the location of its four satellite offices as well as the process and
timing to build out those offices. The Report also delved into the achievements
of the satellite offices, including their impact on the patent application
backlog and pendency, examiner recruitment and retention, and stakeholder
outreach.
The PTO has one final AIA report to complete
dealing with the agency's overall implementation of the AIA. That report is not
due until September 2015."
Copyright © 2014 Robert Moll. All rights reserved.
