[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 5 (Monday, January 8, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Page 573]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-204]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
Customs Service
Paperless Notification Concerning the Recordation of Intellectual
Property Rights Information
AGENCY: Customs Service, Treasury.
ACTION: General notice.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This notice advises the public that the Intellectual Property
Rights (IPR) Branch of Customs will no longer notify Customs officers
and the public of trademark and copyright recordations through the
issuance of paper circulars or directives, but rather that all such
future notifications will be accomplished by means of the IPR module
developed for the Automated Commercial System (ACS). Customs will
furnish a print screen of the first page of IPR module text and a video
image to interested members of the public upon request.
EFFECTIVE DATE: January 1, 1996.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John F. Atwood, Chief, Intellectual
Property Rights Branch, Office of Regulations and Rulings, (202) 482-
6960.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
Prior to creating the Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Task Force
and IPR Branch, the principal vehicle for notifying Customs officers
and the public of trademark and copyright recordations was through the
issuance of paper ``circulars'' or ``directives''. During 1989-1990, an
IPR module was developed for the Automated Commercial System (ACS) and
the basic information and images on all outstanding recordations
transferred to that program, along with the addition of all new
recordations. Currently, that database is approaching 20,000 and more
than 1,500 new recordations are added each year.
A comparative analysis of the existing paper recordation
notification system with the paperless ACS/IPR module indicates that
substantial monetary savings and increased efficiency will result by
eliminating the paper system. Because of the ongoing conversion to
Local Area Networks (LANs), Customs officers now have the ability to
call up both the text and images (in the case of word trademarks, an
image may not be entered into the system). Accordingly, as of January
1, 1996, the IPR Branch in the Office of Regulations & Rulings will no
longer issue paper circulars and directives concerning trademark and
copyright recordations; the ACS/IPR module will become the sole tool
for basic consultation on those matters.
As to the public availability of recordations, use of the Customs
Electronic Bulletin Board (CEBB)(``Help'' number (703) 440-6236) is
encouraged. Text on the CEBB identifies the recorded trademark or
copyright, its owner, a contact person, and whether the trademark or
copyright receives so-called ``gray market'' import restriction. On a
monthly basis, beginning with the July 17, 1991, edition, the Customs
Bulletin has published a brief reference of all trademark and copyright
recordations (including all those recorded prior to July 17, 1991 ).
Upon request, Customs officers will furnish a print screen of the first
page of IPR module text for a trademark or copyright with any
references to licensees in recordations prior to January 1, 1996,
deleted. Beginning on January 1, 1996, recordation texts will not
include licensee information on the first page (not all recordations
show licensees).
Since video images are not currently available through the CEBB,
Customs officers will provide a relevant image upon request from the
public.
In addition to financial savings, by narrowing the administration
of trademark and copyright recordations to the one automated system,
this will permit the IPR Branch to concentrate on improving and
refining the ACS/IPR module. Substantive questions about disclosure and
IPR recordations should be directed to the IPR Branch at (202) 482-
6960.
Dated: January 2, 1996.
Michael H. Lane,
Acting Commissioner of Customs.
[FR Doc. 96-204 Filed 1-5-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4820-02-P
