The biotechnology, chemical, and pharmaceuticals technology groups at the U.S. Patent Office will hold their quarterly customer partnership meeting on September 12, 2007.  While the stated purpose of the meeting was merely to encourage dialog between practitioners, patent applicants, and the Office – and not to announce USPTO policy – the discussions may provide a helpful insight as to how these Art Units approach certain issues.

The proposed topics for discussion include:

• Morning Session (9:00 am EDT)
  • Final Rule on Claims and Continuations — presenters: Bruce Kisliuk and OPLA Staff
  • Patent Reform — presenters: George Elliott and Irem Yucel

• Afternoon Session
  • Proposed Rule Changes relating to Search and Examination of Alternative (Markush) Claims — presenter: John LeGuyader
  • Restriction Practice for Nucleic Acid Molecules — presenter: Julie Burke

Additional topics may be discussed as time permits.  The presentation can be attended in person at Madison East GIPA (Global Intellectual Property Academy) large lecture room on the second floor (600 Dulany Street, Alexandria, VA).  In order to attend the meeting in person, you must confirm your attendance by September 6, 2007 with Cecilia Tsang by phone (571-272-0562), fax (571-273-0562), or email (Cecilia.Tsang@uspto.gov).  The meeting can also be viewed over the internet using this link.