Revision of Patent Fees for Fiscal Year 2004

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The United States Patent and Trademark Office (referred to as "we", "us", or "our" in this notice) is proposing to adjust certain patent fee amounts to reflect fluctuations in the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Also, we are proposing to adjust, by a corresponding amount, a few patent fees that track the affected fees. The Director is authorized to adjust these fees annually by the CPI to recover the higher costs associated with doing business. Legislation has also been introduced in the Congress that would alter our fees. If enacted, this legislation would supersede the fees identified in this proposed rule.