USPTO Suggestions for Effectively Reducing the Application Backlog

Greg Aharonian's Internet Patent News Service has posted a copy of the USPTO's response to twenty questions of the Congressional Subcommittee on the Courts, Internet, and Intellectual Property following the subcommittee hearing on February 27, 2008.

The answer to question 5 details the PTOs current "suggestions for effectively reducing the application backlog:"

1. Applicant Quality Submissions
2. Worksharing
3. Increase Capacity (through Telework, a University Certificate in Patent Examination, and Utilizing Retirees), and
4. Deferred Examination