USPTO Performance and Accountability Report - U.S. Patent and ...

applicants, attorneys, and agents with application-specific
issues related to patent prosecution
advancement. This program serves as a means for
maintaining the lines of communication between
practitioners and examiners. The Patent Ombudsman
Program resulted in improved, high-quality customer
service by advancing the status of patent applications
while simultaneously demonstrating the
agency’s commitment to achieving its strategic goals
by improving patent quality and timeliness, promoting
confidence in the patent examination process, and
improving relations with stakeholders, all in an effort
to ultimately spur innovation and economic growth.
AIA Implementation/Rulemaking Legal Support
The Office of General Law (OGL) is the non-IP legal
component of the Office of General Counsel.
They are responsible for providing advice and written
legal opinions on areas concerning the administra-
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
tion and management of the USPTO. The OGL also
represents the USPTO in various administrative
proceedings. In particular, OGL supports the USPTO’s
rulemaking efforts to ensure that regulations are
issued to implement many of the important AIA
provisions while complying with all rulemaking
process requirements. OGL has been integrally
involved in every stage of the rulemaking process
with representatives from every business unit.
OGL secured expedited clearances of AIA rules from
external entities saving the agency time and money
and facilitating the successful issuance of rules
within the statutory deadlines. Further, OGL has
successfully handled a steady stream of employment
law matters resulting from the AIA initiative to
hire additional patent examiners and PTAB
personnel. OGL supports the USPTO’s initiatives to
improve stakeholder relations by procurement of
cutting edge products and other agreements and
services necessary to run a 21st century agency.
www.uspto.gov
55