This information collection is part of
the "USPTO Business Methods Patent Initiative: An Action Plan." The
action plan outlines the steps towards improving the examination of
patents in the business methods class and ensuring that the patents
issued in this class are of the highest quality. One of these steps
is to obtain feedback from the associated industries on the
resources that the USPTO currently uses in patent searches and to
solicit information from the industry on new sources that the USPTO
can use in patent searches. The USPTO plans to publish a notice of
request for public comments in the Federal Register...
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.