PPAC Nominees: Due by May 30. Three new PPAC members will be appointed by the Secretary of Commerce for a three year term. [LINK]- Design Patents on Automotive Parts: Perhaps the most controversial subject matter for design patents involve automotive parts. Many of the car companies are using design patents to help ensure that body shops use “authorized” parts when repairing a crash-damaged vehicle. Deputy Director Peterlin is looking for input from folks on the issue. [LINK]
- PTO web-site may be down until sometime May 15. www.uspto.gov. (UPDATE: Partially working again)



