Pilot for Filing Trademark Applications in an Electronic Environment Scope of Pilot Program: On or before November 30, 1997, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) will implement a pilot project to allow electronic filing of trademark applications. The pilot will be limited to applications filed under Sections 1(a), 1(b) and 44(d) of the Trademark Act. Applications based on Section 44(e) of the Act will not be included in the pilot because of the added complexity involved in the transmission and receipt of documents certifying registration in an applicant's country of origin. Requirements for Participation: The PTO will invite a small number of filers to participate in this pilot. Pilot participants must have access to the following: (1) a personal computer; and, (2) a specified computer network browser. Access to a scanner or digital camera for creating digitized images in gif or jpg format will be necessary for the submission of specimens required for applications filed under Section 1(a) and/or special form drawings containing figurative elements for filings under any Section of the Trademark Act. Participants must also maintain a deposit account with the PTO for payment of required filing fees. Before the application is submitted electronically, the applicant must print and maintain a paper application, and the application must be personally signed and dated by the applicant in permanent ink, pursuant to 37 C.F.R. 1.4(d). Participants also must create and maintain a verified statement, signed and dated by the applicant in permanent ink stating that: (1) the information in the electronic submission is identical to the information in the paper application; and, (2) the symbol shown in the signature block on the electronic application has been adopted by the applicant to verify the contents of the application. These two documents should not be forwarded to the PTO but should be retained by the applicant or the applicant's representative. Duration: It is anticipated that the pilot project will run for sixty days. However, the period for the pilot project may be extended if necessary. After review and analysis of the pilot results, the PTO plans to broaden the scope of the electronic-filing program by inviting additional participants and accepting electronic submissions of documents other than applications for the registration of trademarks and service marks. For the purposes of this pilot only, the following requirements are waived. Rule 1.1(a) The requirement of 37 CFR 1.1(a) that communications intended for the Patent and Trademark Office must be mailed to the street address of the Office is waived. Rule 2.51 The requirement of 37 CFR 2.51(e) that an application for the registration of a mark that can be represented in typewritten form include a drawing of the mark typed in capital letters on a separate sheet of paper complying with the requirements of Setion 2.52 is waived. Rules 2.52(b) & 2.52(c) The requirements of 37 CFR 2.52(b) and (c) that drawings must be made on paper is waived. Rules 2.56 & 2.58(a) The requirement of 37 CFR 2.56 and 37 CFR 2.58(a) that applications under Section 1(a) of the Act include three specimens of the trademark or service mark as used on or in connection with the goods or services in commerce is waived. Instead, participants must electronically file only one specimen of the trademark or service mark as used on or in connection with the goods or services in commerce. Point of Contact for this Notice: Name: Craig Morris Telephone number: (703) 308-8910 ext. 36 Fax Number: (703) 308-9395 Mailing Address: Office of the Assistant Commissioner for Trademarks Suite 10B10 2900 Crystal Drive Arlington, Virginia 22202-3513 October 21, 1997 PHILIP G. HAMPTON, II Assistant Commissioner for Trademarks