H.R. 4972 · 100th Congress · enacted
A bill to authorize appropriations for the Patent and Trademark Office in the Department of Commerce, and for other purposes.
Became Public Law No: 100-703.
Latest official action 1988-11-19 · Enacted
The bill, briefly
Authorizes appropriations to the Patent and Trademark Office for FY 1989 through 1991. Authorizes the Office to use fee revenues to support its operations and activities. Prohibits the Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks from increasing patent and trademark fees more than once during FY 1989 through FY 1991. Cites certain Consumer Price Index fluctuations as the guideline for such fee adjustments. Repeals the prohibition against the imposition of a fee for the use of public patent and trademark search rooms and libraries. Directs the Commissioner to make U.S. patent and trademark information (and foreign patent documents) available for public search and retrieval. Prohibits the Commissioner from imposing fees for the use of such collections. Authorizes the Commissioner to establish fees for public access to automated search systems of the Patent and Trademark Office. Provides for a limited amount of free access to all users of such systems. Repeals the Commissioner's mandate to report to certain congressional committees regarding implementation proposals for a master automation plan. Repeals the proscription against incurring new obligations for such master plan.
Congressional Research Service · 1988-06-30
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Amount spent specifically on this bill: not disclosed
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Politicians behind the bill
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What happened after enactment?
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