Hal Wegner has done the legwork to evidence the rumors. On April 10, 2007, the USPTO Submitted two sets of final rules to the Office of Management & Budget for regulatory review:
- RIN: 0651-AB93: Changes to Practice for Continuing Applications, Requests for Continued Examination Practice, and Applications Containing Patentably Indistinct Claims
- RIN: 0651-AB94: Changes to Practice for the Examination of Claims in Patent Applications
Summer Implementation Likely: According to self-reports, Bush OMB has maintained a fairly strict adherence to a 90-day time-limit for review. Thus, barring unusual circumstances, publication of the rules can be expected in early July. Implementation would require a 30-day window following publication.
Get Involved: The Review Office has a policy "to meet with any party interested in discussing issues, whether they are from State or local governments, small business or other business or industry interests, or from the environmental, health or safety communities." In addition, third parties may submit written comments on any rule under review. [VIA FAX at (202) 395-3047 or 202-395-5806 or (202) 395-6566].
Earlier this month, Susan Dudley was named the new director of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) through a recess appointment. Her office is quite powerful because it "will have an opportunity to change or block all regulations proposed by government agencies."
