Rumors: A usually reliable (but anonymous) source recently spoke to one of his reliable sources who is close to several high-level PTO officials. According to the chain of gossip, implementation of the much-discussed continuation and claim restrictions (in modified form) is now "highly likely." Apparently, the exact rules are to-be kept under lock-and-key until published this summer. Once published, there will be no opportunity to get continuations-in under the old rules. I have been assured by the PTO that that there will be at least 30-60 days advance notice to the public.
This new rumor flies in the face of another rumor that comes through Hal Wegner. According to Professor Wegner: "A highly reliable source has just reported that Under Secretary Jon W. Dudas during a Silicon Valley swing this past week has assured industry leaders that the continuation rules are – in the words of one observer – “dead as a doornail”." It appears now that the more likely rumor is "alive and well."
I guess we'll just wait and see. . .
