Grace Period Study, 73452-73453 [2012-29637]

Download as PDF 73452 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 237 / Monday, December 10, 2012 / Notices certificate(s) are valid for 3 years. As such, vessel owners who have not already attended a workshop and received a NMFS certificate, or vessel owners whose certificate(s) will expire prior to the next permit renewal, must attend a workshop to fish with, or renew, their swordfish and shark limited-access permits. Additionally, new shark and swordfish limited-access permit applicants who intend to fish with longline or gillnet gear must attend a Protected Species Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshop and submit a copy of their workshop certificate before either of the permits will be issued. Approximately 142 free Protected Species Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshops have been conducted since 2006. In addition to certifying vessel owners, at least one operator on board vessels issued a limited-access swordfish or shark permit that uses longline or gillnet gear is required to attend a Protected Species Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshop and receive a certificate. Vessels that have been issued a limitedaccess swordfish or shark permit and that use longline or gillnet gear may not fish unless both the vessel owner and operator have valid workshop certificates onboard at all times. Vessel operators who have not already attended a workshop and received a NMFS certificate, or vessel operators whose certificate(s) will expire prior to their next fishing trip, must attend a workshop to operate a vessel with swordfish and shark limited-access permits that uses longline or gillnet gear. mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with Workshop Dates, Times, and Locations 1. January 16, 2013, 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Holiday Inn, 151 Route 72 East, Manahawkin, NJ 08050. 2. January 23, 2013, 9 a.m.– 5 p.m., Holiday Inn Select, 2001 Martin Luther King Boulevard, Panama City, FL 32405. 3. February 7, 2013, 9 a.m.– 5 p.m., Holiday Inn, 88 Spring Street, Portland, ME 04101. 4. February 13, 2013, 9 a.m.– 5 p.m., Hilton Garden Inn, 5353 North Virginia Dare Trail, Kitty Hawk, NC 27949. 5. March 6, 2013, 9 a.m.– 5 p.m., Holiday Inn Express, 8080 South Main Street, Houston, TX 77025. 6. March 13, 2013, 9 a.m.– 5 p.m., Holiday Inn Express, 2580 Gulf to Bay Boulevard, Clearwater, FL 33765. Registration Registration Materials To ensure that workshop certificates are linked to the correct permits, participants will need to bring the following specific items with them to the workshop: • Individual vessel owners must bring a copy of the appropriate swordfish and/or shark permit(s), a copy of the vessel registration or documentation, and proof of identification. • Representatives of a businessowned or co-owned vessel must bring proof that the individual is an agent of the business (such as articles of incorporation), a copy of the applicable swordfish and/or shark permit(s), and proof of identification. • Vessel operators must bring proof of identification. Workshop Objectives The Protected Species Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshops are designed to teach longline and gillnet fishermen the required techniques for the safe handling and release of entangled and/or hooked protected species, such as sea turtles, marine mammals, and smalltooth sawfish. In an effort to improve reporting, the proper identification of protected species will also be taught at these workshops. Additionally, individuals attending these workshops will gain a better understanding of the requirements for participating in these fisheries. The overall goal of these workshops is to provide participants with the skills needed to reduce the mortality of protected species, which may prevent additional regulations on these fisheries in the future. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Dated: December 4, 2012. Emily H. Menashes, Deputy Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2012–29754 Filed 12–7–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Patent and Trademark Office Grace Period Study ACTION: Proposed collection; comment request. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the SUMMARY: To register for a scheduled Protected Species Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshop, please contact VerDate Mar<15>2010 Angler Conservation Education at (386) 682–0158. 18:30 Dec 07, 2012 Jkt 229001 PO 00000 Frm 00052 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on this new information collection, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104– 13 (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)). DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before February 8, 2013. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by any of the following methods: • Email: InformationCollection@uspto.gov. Include ‘‘0651–00xx Grace Period Study comment’’ in the subject line of the message. • Mail: Susan K. Fawcett, Records Officer, Office of the Chief Information Officer, United States Patent and Trademark Office, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313–1450. • Federal Rulemaking Portal: https:// www.regulations.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information should be directed to the attention of Jim Moore, Attorney Advisor, Office of Governmental Affairs, United States Patent and Trademark Office, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313–1450; by telephone at 571–272–5661; or by email to James.Moore@USPTO.Gov with ‘‘Paperwork’’ in the subject line. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Abstract The United States’ grace period, which permits exceptions to absolute novelty, figures centrally in the international discourse on patent law harmonization. The grace period allows individuals to improve upon their ideas by sharing them with the research and business communities without jeopardizing their intellectual property interests. Many European countries, however, lack adequate grace periods. The consequences of this are not fully understood. Few studies in the past ten years have dealt with the grace period, and none of them have quantified the effects of premature disclosure on researchers’ failure to apply for or receive patents. To study this issue, the USPTO plans to conduct a study to estimate the commercial opportunities lost as a result of the lack of grace periods. As part of this study, the USPTO plans to survey European scientific researchers from select European research institutions. The results from this USPTO-sponsored study would provide current, quantitative data on the effects of the premature disclosure on European patenting. The data collected from the survey can be used to estimate the value of lost commercial opportunities in Europe due to the lack E:\FR\FM\10DEN1.SGM 10DEN1 73453 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 237 / Monday, December 10, 2012 / Notices of grace periods for these patents. This study would support the USPTO’s efforts to be a leader on intellectual property matters internationally and to promote efficiency and cooperation in the global patent system. The USPTO plans to survey scientific researchers affiliated with select European universities who have published journal articles disclosing potentially patentable materials during a five year period. The universities will be selected from the Times Higher Education university rankings for specific, patent-intensive research areas. The USPTO envisions that the respondents will be surveyed only once. The survey may be distributed in waves for convenience. The Grace Period Study survey will be an electronic survey. The cover letter that will be distributed with the survey will reference the journal article used to identify the respondent, explain why the USPTO is conducting the survey, explain that the responses will be kept confidential, and provide instructions on how to access the survey. Preresponse and reminder letters, in addition to a brief non-response followup for a small sample of nonrespondents, will be used to encourage response from the sample members. This is a voluntary survey and all responses will remain confidential. The collected data will not be linked to the respondent and contact information that is used for sampling purposes will be maintained in a separate file from the quantitative data. Respondents are not required to provide any identifying information such as their name, address, or Social Security Number. In order to access and complete the online survey, respondents will need to use a username, password, and survey ID number. II. Method of Collection Electronically over the Internet through a secure, third-party survey distributor using access information supplied by IIPI. III. Data OMB Number: 0651–00xx. Form Number(s): No form numbers. Type of Review: New information collection. Affected Public: Businesses or other for-profits and non-profit institutions. Estimated Number of Respondents: 420 responses per year. The USPTO estimates that no responses will be received from small entities. Out of a sample size of 3,000, the USPTO estimates that 420 completed surveys will be received, for a response rate of 14%. This estimate is based on the response rate of a similar survey of German researchers conducted by the German Ministry for Education and Research (BMBF). Estimated Time per Response: The USPTO estimates that it will take approximately 10 minutes (0.17 hours) to complete this survey. This estimated time includes reading the instructions for the survey, gathering the necessary information, completing the survey, and submitting it to the USPTO. Estimated Total Annual Respondent Burden Hours: 71 hours. Estimated Total Annual Respondent Cost Burden: $3,287. The USPTO estimates that scientists will be completing these surveys and that their hourly rate will be comparable to the hourly rate for scientists in the United States. Using the hourly mean rate of $46.29 from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for physical scientists and others, the USPTO estimates $3,287 per year for the respondent cost burden for this collection. Estimated time for response (min) Item Estimated annual responses Estimated annual burden hours Grace Period Study Survey ......................................................................................................... 10 420 71 Totals .................................................................................................................................... ........................ 420 71 Estimated Total Annual Non-hour Respondent Cost Burden: $0. There are no annual (non-hour) costs for this information collection. The USPTO covers the costs of all survey materials. mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with IV. Request for Comments Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency’s estimate of the burden (including hours and cost) of the proposed collection of information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, e.g., the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized or included in the request for OMB approval of this information collection; VerDate Mar<15>2010 18:30 Dec 07, 2012 Jkt 229001 they also will become a matter of public record. Dated: December 4, 2012. Susan K. Fawcett, Records Officer, USPTO, Office of the Chief Information Officer. [FR Doc. 2012–29637 Filed 12–7–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–16–P CORPORATION FOR NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICE Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request Corporation for National and Community Service. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, conducts a pre-clearance consultation program to provide the general public and federal agencies with an SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00053 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing collections of information in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA95) (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)). This program helps to ensure that requested data can be provided in the desired format, reporting burden (time and financial resources) is minimized, collection instruments are clearly understood, and the impact of collection requirement on respondents can be properly assessed. Currently, CNCS is soliciting comments concerning its proposed renewal of its Senior Corps Project Progress Report (PPR) (OMB Control Number 3045–0033). The Senior Corps PPR has two components: (1) Narratives and work plans, and (2) the Progress Report Supplement (PRS), which is an annual survey of volunteer demographics and grantee characteristics. The resulting data is used by grantees and the CNCS to track performance, as well as to identify trends and to support management and E:\FR\FM\10DEN1.SGM 10DEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 237 (Monday, December 10, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 73452-73453]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-29637]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Patent and Trademark Office


Grace Period Study

ACTION: Proposed collection; comment request.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), as part 
of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, 
invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this 
opportunity to comment on this new information collection, as required 
by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13 (44 U.S.C. 
3506(c)(2)(A)).

DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before February 8, 
2013.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by any of the following methods:
     Email: InformationCollection@uspto.gov. Include ``0651-
00xx Grace Period Study comment'' in the subject line of the message.
     Mail: Susan K. Fawcett, Records Officer, Office of the 
Chief Information Officer, United States Patent and Trademark Office, 
P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313-1450.
     Federal Rulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information 
should be directed to the attention of Jim Moore, Attorney Advisor, 
Office of Governmental Affairs, United States Patent and Trademark 
Office, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313-1450; by telephone at 571-
272-5661; or by email to James.Moore@USPTO.Gov with ``Paperwork'' in 
the subject line.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

    The United States' grace period, which permits exceptions to 
absolute novelty, figures centrally in the international discourse on 
patent law harmonization. The grace period allows individuals to 
improve upon their ideas by sharing them with the research and business 
communities without jeopardizing their intellectual property interests. 
Many European countries, however, lack adequate grace periods. The 
consequences of this are not fully understood. Few studies in the past 
ten years have dealt with the grace period, and none of them have 
quantified the effects of premature disclosure on researchers' failure 
to apply for or receive patents. To study this issue, the USPTO plans 
to conduct a study to estimate the commercial opportunities lost as a 
result of the lack of grace periods.
    As part of this study, the USPTO plans to survey European 
scientific researchers from select European research institutions. The 
results from this USPTO-sponsored study would provide current, 
quantitative data on the effects of the premature disclosure on 
European patenting. The data collected from the survey can be used to 
estimate the value of lost commercial opportunities in Europe due to 
the lack

[[Page 73453]]

of grace periods for these patents. This study would support the 
USPTO's efforts to be a leader on intellectual property matters 
internationally and to promote efficiency and cooperation in the global 
patent system.
    The USPTO plans to survey scientific researchers affiliated with 
select European universities who have published journal articles 
disclosing potentially patentable materials during a five year period. 
The universities will be selected from the Times Higher Education 
university rankings for specific, patent-intensive research areas.
    The USPTO envisions that the respondents will be surveyed only 
once. The survey may be distributed in waves for convenience.
    The Grace Period Study survey will be an electronic survey. The 
cover letter that will be distributed with the survey will reference 
the journal article used to identify the respondent, explain why the 
USPTO is conducting the survey, explain that the responses will be kept 
confidential, and provide instructions on how to access the survey. 
Pre-response and reminder letters, in addition to a brief non-response 
follow-up for a small sample of nonrespondents, will be used to 
encourage response from the sample members.
    This is a voluntary survey and all responses will remain 
confidential. The collected data will not be linked to the respondent 
and contact information that is used for sampling purposes will be 
maintained in a separate file from the quantitative data. Respondents 
are not required to provide any identifying information such as their 
name, address, or Social Security Number. In order to access and 
complete the online survey, respondents will need to use a username, 
password, and survey ID number.

II. Method of Collection

    Electronically over the Internet through a secure, third-party 
survey distributor using access information supplied by IIPI.

III. Data

    OMB Number: 0651-00xx.
    Form Number(s): No form numbers.
    Type of Review: New information collection.
    Affected Public: Businesses or other for-profits and non-profit 
institutions.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 420 responses per year. The USPTO 
estimates that no responses will be received from small entities. Out 
of a sample size of 3,000, the USPTO estimates that 420 completed 
surveys will be received, for a response rate of 14%. This estimate is 
based on the response rate of a similar survey of German researchers 
conducted by the German Ministry for Education and Research (BMBF).
    Estimated Time per Response: The USPTO estimates that it will take 
approximately 10 minutes (0.17 hours) to complete this survey. This 
estimated time includes reading the instructions for the survey, 
gathering the necessary information, completing the survey, and 
submitting it to the USPTO.
    Estimated Total Annual Respondent Burden Hours: 71 hours.
    Estimated Total Annual Respondent Cost Burden: $3,287. The USPTO 
estimates that scientists will be completing these surveys and that 
their hourly rate will be comparable to the hourly rate for scientists 
in the United States. Using the hourly mean rate of $46.29 from the 
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for physical scientists and others, the 
USPTO estimates $3,287 per year for the respondent cost burden for this 
collection.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                  Estimated time     Estimated       Estimated
                              Item                                 for response       annual      annual  burden
                                                                       (min)         responses         hours
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Grace Period Study Survey.......................................              10             420              71
                                                                 -----------------------------------------------
    Totals......................................................  ..............             420              71
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Estimated Total Annual Non-hour Respondent Cost Burden: $0. There 
are no annual (non-hour) costs for this information collection. The 
USPTO covers the costs of all survey materials.

IV. Request for Comments

    Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of 
information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of 
the agency, including whether the information shall have practical 
utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden 
(including hours and cost) of the proposed collection of information; 
(c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the 
information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the 
collection of information on respondents, e.g., the use of automated 
collection techniques or other forms of information technology.
    Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized or 
included in the request for OMB approval of this information 
collection; they also will become a matter of public record.

    Dated: December 4, 2012.
Susan K. Fawcett,
Records Officer, USPTO, Office of the Chief Information Officer.
[FR Doc. 2012-29637 Filed 12-7-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-16-P
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