United States Patent and Trademark Office OG Notices: 27 December 2005

                             Credit Card Payments
                       Submitted over the USPTO Internet

   Beginning on January 28, 2006, credit card payment submissions
made on the USPTO Web site at www.uspto.gov must include
the 3-digit or 4-digit security code associated with the credit card in
addition to the credit card number. The security code will not be
required when the paper Credit Card Payment Form (PTO-2038) or other
written authorization is submitted.

   The security code is part of an authentication procedure
established by credit card companies to further efforts towards
reducing fraudulent or unauthorized credit card use for Internet
payment transactions. The security code must be entered at the time of
the Internet payment transaction to verify that the physical card is in
the cardholder's possession. The security code appears on all major
credit cards and is not part of the credit card number itself. Each
credit card company has its own name for the security code (such as
CVV, CVV2, CVC2 or CID), but it functions the same for all major card
types.

   On Discover, MasterCard, and VISA credit cards, the security
code is a 3-digit code that is printed on the back of the card, often
following the credit card number digits. For American Express credit
cards, the security code is a 4-digit code that is printed on the front
of the cards. If you cannot read the security code, you will have to
contact the financial institution that issued your credit card.
Effective January 28, 2006, the USPTO Internet credit card payment
screen will include a mandatory field to enter the security code along
with helpful information to locate the security code on the credit
card.

   Questions regarding this notice should be forwarded to Matthew
Lee, Director of the Receipts Accounting Division, Office of Finance,
by telephone at (571) 272-6500 or by e-mail at matthew.lee@uspto.gov.

November 30, 2005                                           MICHELLE PICARD
                                                Director, Office of Finance