During the pendency of a patent application or the period of enforceability of a patent, situations arise that require collection of information for the PTO to further process the patented file or the patent application. This information can be used by the PTO to continue the processing of the patent or application or to ensure that applicants are complying with the patent regulations. These situations involve responses filed by applicants to various PTO actions and may include information disclosures and citations, requests for extensions of time, the establishment of small entity status, abandonment and revival....
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.