It’s destination Detroit for the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) in 2011. In a drive to increase staff numbers, tap skills beyond its Virginia headquarters and boost efforts to reduce a substantial backlog of patent applications, the organisation will set up its first-ever satellite office in the Michigan city. The new branch will represent but the first phase of the USPTO Nationwide Workforce Programme: a plan to hire more patent examiners and seek out resources and expertise in other parts of the United States.
According to the USPTO, Detroit has been chosen – after careful consideration – for the following factors:
• a high percentage of scientists and engineers in the workforce;
• access to major research institutions, particularly leading universities;
• a high volume of patenting activity; and
• significant numbers of patent agents and attorneys in the area.
To read the full, original article click on this link: USPTO to spread its wings in 2011
