The information collection is
necessary to conduct a thorough examination of patent applications,
in accordance with 35 U.S.C. Sec. 131 and 37 CFR 1.16 through 1.84.
An applicant must provide sufficient information to allow the USPTO
to properly examine the application to determine whether it meets
the requirements outlined in the patent statutes and regulations.
The American Inventors Protection Act of 1999 amended 35 U.S.C. 132
to provide that the USPTO may prescribe regulations for the
continued examination of applications (for a fee) at the request of
the applicant (Request for Continued Examination or RCE).
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that
the collection of information encompassed by this request complies
with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR
1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding
the proposed collection of information, that the certification
covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a
benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control
number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of
these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked
and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.