News from the US Patent and Trademark Office

NOMINATIONS SOUGHT FOR NATIONAL MEDAL OF TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION

Washington – The Department of Commerce’s United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is seeking nominations for the 2011 National Medal of Technology and Innovation. The medal is presented each year by the President of the United States and is this country’s highest award for technological achievement.The Medal is awarded annually to individuals, teams (up to four individuals), companies or divisions of companies for their outstanding contributions to America’s economic, environmental and social well-being. By highlighting the national importance of technological innovation, the Medal also seeks to inspire future generations of Americans to prepare for and pursue technical careers to keep America at the forefront of global technology and economic leadership.

USPTO Creates “E-mail Hotline” For New Detroit Office Hiring News

Washington – The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is streamlining hiring information for people interested in job opportunities at the agency’s new office in Detroit with the creation of an e-mail hotline. All details on job openings, requirements and experience needed, and how to apply will be included in official hiring announcements to be released in the spring. The new mailbox will help the USPTO quickly relay the latest job information to interested members of the public.
Plans for the Detroit office were announced in December by U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke and Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office David Kappos. The office represents the first phase of the USPTO’s Nationwide Workforce Program, an effort to hire more patent examiners and seek out additional resources and technical expertise in locations across the country.
The Detroit office will enable the USPTO to draw upon Michigan’s highly qualified workforce to help reduce the backlog of more than 700,000 patent applications. The office location and an anticipated opening date will be announced in the coming months.