Transfer Justification to PTO

April 18, 2005

CHANGE WORKSHEET FOR CERTIFICATE ACTION FORM (cont’d)

National Medal of Technology (& Innovation) Nomination Form

OMB CONTROL NO. 0692-0001

The America COMPETES Act of 2007 abolished the Technology Administration of the Department of Commerce as of August 9, 2007 (sec. 3002). The administration and nomination processing for the National Medal of Technology has been officially transferred by the Secretary of Commerce to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. In addition, the title of the medal has changed to include “Innovation.” The USPTO is requesting to Transfer this form from the Technology Administration (0692) to the USPTO (0651).

Background:

The National Medal of Technology and Innovation is the highest honor awarded by the President of the United States to America’s leading innovators. Established by an act of Congress in 1980, the Medal of Technology was first awarded in 1985. The Medal is given annually to individuals, teams, and/or companies/divisions for their outstanding contributions to the Nation’s economic, environmental and social well-being through the development and commercialization of technology products, processes and concepts; technological innovation; and development of the Nation’s technological manpower. The purpose of the National Medal of Technology is to recognize those who have made lasting contributions to America's competitiveness, standard of living, and quality of life through technological innovation, and to recognize those who have made substantial contributions to strengthening the Nation’s technological workforce. By highlighting the national importance of technological innovation, the Medal also seeks to inspire future generations of Americans to prepare for and pursue technical careers to keep America at the forefront of global technology and economic leadership.

The USPTO proposes that the current inventory will remain the same as is currently approved by OMB. The USPTO wishes to update the form and add it into the 0651-00xx inventory.

Changes to the existing approved form:

The USPTO is updating the form to be relevant to the use of the form by the USPTO.

The changes on the form:

1. Updating the name of the medal: “National Medal of Technology” is now called the “National Medal of Technology and Innovation”

2. The email and mailing addresses are updated and now reflect the USPTO information, since the Technology Administration information is no longer relevant.

3. The USPTO is proposing to include a Privacy Act Statement on the form.

4. The USPTO is expecting to have an updated OMB number for the form.

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