The biotechnology, chemical, and pharmaceuticals (BCP) technology groups at the U.S. Patent Office will hold their first quarterly customer partnership meeting of the year on March 12, 2008.

The proposed schedule and topics for discussion include:

Morning Session

• Greetings and Overview (9:00 – 9:15 AM):  John LeGuyader, Bruce Kisliuk, Christopher Low, Directors, Technology Center 1600

• Patent Prosecution Highway (9:15 – 10:00 AM):  Pinchus Laufer, Office of Patent Legal Administration

• Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmaceuticals in the Mechanical Arts (10:00 -10:45 AM):  Thomas Barrett, SPE, TC3700

• (Proposed) Restriction Petition Update and Rejoinder Practice (11:00 AM – 12:00 PM):  Julie Burke, QAS/PM, TC1600

Afternoon Session

• Enablement in Claims to Various Forms of Compounds (1:15 – 2:00 PM):  James Wilson, SPE, Art Unit 1624

• Bioinformatics and 35 USC 101 (2:00 – 2:45 PM):  Marjorie  Moran, SPE, Art Unit 1631

• Enablement in Claims to Therapeutic Treatment (3:00 – 4:00 PM):  Jean Witz, QAS, TC1600

* Closing Remarks/Discussion (4:00 – 4:15 PM):  John LeGuyader, Bruce Kisliuk, Christopher Low, Directors, Technology Center 1600

These topics may change prior to the official announcement of the agenda.  Additional topics could be discussed if time permits.  The presentation can be attended in person at Madison Auditorium (600 Dulany Street, Alexandria, VA).  In order to attend the meeting in person, you must confirm your attendance with Cecilia Tsang by phone (571-272-0562), fax (571-273-0562), or email (Cecilia.Tsang@uspto.gov).  The meeting will also be viewable over the internet.  Patent Docs will provide an updated agenda and a link for web-based attendance closer to date of the meeting.