[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 179 (Tuesday, September 16, 2014)]
[Notices]
[Pages 55435-55436]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-22067]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

United States Patent and Trademark Office

[Docket No.: PTO-C-2014-0052]


Extension of the 2014 Application Deadline for Patents for 
Humanity Program

AGENCY: United States Patent and Trademark Office, Commerce.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: In April 2014, the United States Patent and Trademark Office 
(USPTO) renewed the Patents for Humanity Program which recognizes 
patent holders who use their technology for humanitarian purposes. In 
response to stakeholder feedback, the USPTO is extending the deadline 
for applications until October 31, 2014.

DATES: Effective Date: September 16, 2014.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Office of Policy and International 
Affairs, by telephone at (571) 272-9300; or by mail addressed to: 
Patents for Humanity Program, Office of Policy and International 
Affairs, United States Patent and Trademark Office, P.O. Box 1450, 
Alexandria, VA 22313-1450; or by email to [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In April 2014, the USPTO renewed its Patents 
for Humanity program and announced details for 2014. See Patents for 
Humanity Program, 79 FR 18670 (Apr. 3, 2014). The original deadline for 
applications was September 15, 2014.
    Stakeholders have requested an extension of time to file 
applications in 2014 for different reasons. First, some prospective 
applicants indicated that

[[Page 55436]]

they are engaged in qualifying work which will not be complete before 
the deadline. Additionally, others have indicated that they do not have 
enough personnel available at this time of year to complete their 
applications.
    In response to these requests, the USPTO is extending the 
application deadline for this year until October 31, 2014. After the 
application deadline, selections will be made as described in the April 
notice, with the goal of completing the recommendation process within 
90 days. Awards will be made thereafter. The other terms of the program 
remain unchanged.

    Dated: September 10, 2014.
Michelle K. Lee,
Deputy Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Deputy 
Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
[FR Doc. 2014-22067 Filed 9-15-14; 8:45 am]
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