Revision of Patent and Trademark Fees for Fiscal Year 2002

Samenvatting

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (referred to as "we", "us", or "our" in this document) is proposing to adjust certain patent fee amounts and a trademark fee amount 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. Our Director is authorized to adjust these fees annually by the CPI to recover the higher costs associated with doing business. In addition, we are proposing to change the maintenance fee correspondence address to better serve our customers, and amend a fee to reflect current business practice. These proposed amendments would keep our fees aligned with the CPI and streamline administrative matters.