Number: RS20906
Title: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Appropriations Process: A Brief Explanation
Authors: Wendy H. Schacht, Resources, Science, and Industry Division 
Abstract: The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is funded by fees collected from customers. However, appropriation measures that limit USPTO use of all fees accumulated in a fiscal year remain an area of controversy. Opponents argue that since agency operations are supported by payments for services, the total amount of these collections should be available to provide for those services in the year the expenses are incurred. They claim that patent and trademark fees are used instead to offset the cost of other, non-related programs. Proponents of the current approach maintain that the level of fees appropriated back to the USPTO is sufficient to cover its operating budget.
Pages: 2
Date: Updated March 4, 2002