Instead of a single patent office located in the D.C. area, electronic file wrappers may promote the establishment of satellite patent offices that will enable the PTO to tap into resources in other locales. For example, a PTO biotech satellite could be launched in the Boston area, while a PTO telecom satellite is brought on line in San Jose or Austin. As with many PTO initiatives, funding will be the key to success or failure of the electronic file wrapper program. With the PTO already committed to electronic filing at the front end, however, implementation of electronic file wrappers seems inevitable and part of a logical progression. While the PTO continues to be the target of much criticism, e.g., for quality of examination of ecommerce applications, it should be applauded for its efforts to keep pace with the office automation technology it has been examining in recent years.
Many practitioners use the PTO web site and search engine on almost a daily basis.
With proper funding and follow-through, the electronic file wrapper may become an even more ubiquitous tool of patent practice in the United States. Richardson P.C. All rights reserved.