Conduct in Public Information Facilities

CONDUCT IN PUBLIC INFORMATION FACILITIES
United States Patent and Trademark Office
(05-11)
______________________________________________________________________________________
1.

Applicability
These rules apply to all premises under the charge and control of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) through
the General Services Administration and to all persons entering such premises. See Rules and Regulations Governing
Conduct on Federal Property Federal Management Regulation Title 41, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 102-74,
Subpart C. For purposes of these rules, Public Information Facilities include: the Public Search Facility, the Scientific
and Technical Information Center, the Lutrelle F. Parker, Sr. Law Library, and the File Information Unit.

2.

Admission to Property
Patent and Trademark Office facilities are closed to the public outside of specific hours of operation. During hours of
operation, a valid Public user or visitor’s badge is required to enter PTO premises. The individual's Public User or
Visitor badge issued by PTO Security must be displayed at all times while on PTO premises. Visitor badges will not be
issued after 5:00 p.m.

3.

Preservation of Property
The following activities are prohibited on PTO premises:
•
Willfully destroying or damaging property.
•
Creating a hazard to persons or things.
•
Willfully concealing any record, book, document, microfilm, electronic product, equipment, or other property.
•
Removing papers, materials, equipment or other Government property from designated areas.
Within a designated area, microfilm, books, bound volumes, paper or other Government property must be returned to
their proper location after use, unless otherwise posted.

4.

Inspection
All employees, visitors and other personnel, and the packages, briefcases, and other containers in their immediate
possession, arriving on, working at, visiting, or departing from the USPTO are subject to inspection. See 41 CFR §
102-74.370.

5.

Conduct on PTO premises
Persons on the PTO premises shall at all times comply with the official signs of a prohibitory, regulatory or directory
nature and with the lawful direction of PTO employees or security personnel.
Persons on PTO premises shall only use PTO telephones and office equipment specifically designated for public use.
The following activities are prohibited on PTO premises:
• Using PTO premises and facilities as a place of business. For example, it is prohibited to reserve work areas, use
PTO as a mailing address, use PTO stationery or use a PTO telephone number as a personal or business telephone
number.
• Disorderly conduct which disrupts the performance of official duties by Government employees or other public
users.
• Rude or abusive conduct to PTO employees or other public users. Offensive language or actions towards or
impacting PTO employees and other public users.
• Improperly disposing of rubbish.
• Consuming food or beverages.
The following personal electronic devices may be used only if the use of the device does not disrupt PTO
employees or other public users:
• Laptop and notebook computers.
• Personal entertainment devices such as MP3 and CD players when connected to headphones.
• Handheld personal communication service devices (e.g. cellular and wireless phones, pagers)
The taking of photographs and the use of mechanical or electronic equipment such as radios, voice or sound
recording devices or televisions require prior permission by the Office of Public Affairs.

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6.

Penalties and Other Laws
Nothing in these rules shall be construed to abrogate any other Federal laws or regulations or any State and local laws
and regulations applicable to any area in which property under the charge and control of the PTO through the U.S.
General Services Administration is situated. (See 40 U.S.C. §§ 1315 and 121).
Whoever is found guilty of willfully concealing, destroying, or damaging Government property may be subject to a
fine of not more than $2,000 or Imprisonment of not more than 3 years, or both. See §18 U.S.C. Section 2071. 41 CFR
§ 102-74.450 provides that whoever is found guilty of violating the rules of conduct on Federal property contained in
41 CFR Part 102-74, Subpart C while on any property under the charge and control of the U.S. General Services
Administration is subject to a fine of not more that $50, imprisonment of not more than 30 days, or both. See 40
U.S.C. §1315.
FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE RULES MAY RESULT IN IMMEDIATE REMOVAL FROM THE
PREMISES, SUSPENSION OF USER PRIVILEGES, AND/OR ENFORCEMENT OF ANY CRIMINAL
SANCTIONS THAT MAY APPLY.

7.

Public User Badges
Members of the public may obtain a badge to enter the Public Search Facility either from the USPTO Office of
Security and Safety located in room 1c51, Madison East or at the Security Desk located at the entrance of the Public
Search Facility. The Security Desk only issues one-day badges (visitor badge). Visitor badges will not be issued after
5:00 p.m. Members of the public will be asked to provide picture identification prior to being issued an annual Public
User badge or visitor badge. Public user badges and visitor badges are valid for access to the Public Search Facility
only and convey no other privileges. These badges are the property of the U.S. Government and may be recalled upon
demand. For further information about how to obtain a Public user badge, contact the USPTO Office of Security and
Safety at 571.272.8000.

8.

Hours of Operation
PTO facilities are open Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays. Current hours of operation are:
Public Search Facility
Lutrelle F. Parker, Sr. Law Library
Scientific and Technical Information Center
File Information Unit

Madison East Atrium
Madison West Atrium
Remsen Building, Lobby Level
Randolph Square Building,
Shirlington, 3rd floor

8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Clearing of all areas will begin prior to closing times to ensure all public users and visitors are out of the building by
the times designated.
9.

Rules Specific to Search Facilities
Public Search Facility
• A user account is required for access to the automated systems in the Public Search Facility. Use of automated
systems must be in compliance with this account and with applicable guidelines for proper use of government
equipment.
• Trademark Bound Volumes and Historical Patent Indexes are not to be copied.
• Book trucks are not to be removed from facility, used for sitting, or used as storage racks.
Scientific and Technical Information Center:
Main Facility and the Lutrelle F. Parker, Sr. Law Library
• Non-patent literature (books and periodicals) and foreign patent documents should not be re-shelved. These
materials should be left on the patron tables in the information center
• Documents housed off-campus will be copied upon request after payment of the appropriate fee.
• Book trucks are not to be removed or used as storage racks.
File Information Unit
• When others are waiting, no more than two persons from a company may occupy photocopiers.
• Photocopiers are assigned from a sign up sheet on first come basis and may not be retained during breaks or other
temporary absences.
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