Trademark Automation

Search System Improved But Funding for Replacement Should Be Deferred Gao ID: IMTEC-91-66 September 11, 1991

The Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) has responded to users' complaints by improving the existing T-Search system, and users are pleased with the results. Trademark searches are now being completed about 20 percent more quickly than last year and access to the systems and hours of availability have improved. Further, PTO is working on improving the accuracy and completeness of information in the system's database. PTO has requested $1.4 million in its proposed fiscal year 1992 budget to upgrade T-Search. However, PTO funded the system upgrade effort during fiscal year 1991. PTO had planned to issue a request for proposals for a replacement system in the spring of 1991. The T-Search replacement effort has been delayed by about six months because of slippage in completing studies needed to justify the request for proposals. PTO's budget proposal for fiscal year 1993 includes $3.3 million to begin developing the replacement system. PTO officials said that it would be fiscal year 1993 before the Office obligates any of these funds.

GAO found that: (1) PTO has acted to address users' complaints by moving T-Search to a different mainframe computer, and improving its access, speed, and availability; (2) in order to improve the quality of information in the database, PTO instituted standards for data entry and improved the training provided to data entry staff; (3) for fiscal year (FY) 1992, PTO requested $1.4 million in its budget proposal, but funded the systems upgrade effort during FY 1991 because of the system's age; (4) PTO decided to replace the T-Search system because it believed a new system using modern technology would more effectively and efficiently meet user needs; (5) PTO planned to issue a solicitation for the T-Search replacement system in FY 1991, but delayed issuance by about 6 months because of schedule slippage for studies needed to justify the procurement; and (6) for FY 1992, the PTO budget proposal included $3.3 million to develop the replacement system, but PTO will not obligate any of those funds until FY 1993.

Recommendations

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