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[mkk3]

Just got this from manager today

"PTO started to hire again - currently, only former patent examiners, PTO retirees, and lawyers with IP field experience are being considered"

Just thought I would share with the class 

Thanks for the update - good to know. I don't see any job postings on the PTO or USAJOBS websites. Anyone know if they will post ads or do we apply directly?

[Examinerguy]

Thanks for the update - good to know. I don't see any job postings on the PTO or USAJOBS websites. Anyone know if they will post ads or do we apply directly?

Not sure...I have not received/heard about any formal announcement of hiring starting up again. But who knows, maybe they just aren't letting current examiners in on "the loop."

[mkk3]

Not sure...I have not received/heard about any formal announcement of hiring starting up again. But who knows, maybe they just aren't letting current examiners in on "the loop."

Guess I'll wait for the official job postings. Thanks.

[PatentDummy]

Hello, I need some advice here.   My production currently is pretty low due to repeated rejections by my SPE regarding my references (it is a sad story that happens repeatedly in PTO).  It is very likely that I would be given two options: To quit or get fired.  if that is the case, what should I do?

Here are the pros and cons that I can think of:

     To quit:  Clean record; most likely to have no trouble getting my register number back;  However, I would not get unemployment benefits.

     Get fired: Bad record; not sure about the effect on getting my number back; However, I would be able to get unemployment benefits;


Am I correct?  Any advice would really appreciated!

[Examinerguy]

Hello, I need some advice here.   My production currently is pretty low due to repeated rejections by my SPE regarding my references (it is a sad story that happens repeatedly in PTO).  It is very likely that I would be given two options: To quit or get fired.  if that is the case, what should I do?

Here are the pros and cons that I can think of:

     To quit:  Clean record; most likely to have no trouble getting my register number back;  However, I would not get unemployment benefits.

     Get fired: Bad record; not sure about the effect on getting my number back; However, I would be able to get unemployment benefits;


Am I correct?  Any advice would really appreciated!

How long have you been there? If not long, then explain your production concerns with the SPE. If the SPE doesn't seem to care take it to the TC director. If the TC director doesn't care, then they might be trying to get rid of you via kickback tactics (it is a popular method to make examiners leave).

If you have been there awhile then you will need to provide more history. However, in general, being fired is much worse than being laid off. I hear it is much harder to get hired in the government if you are fired from any government agency. Therefor, I would quit instead of taking the 20 or 30K of of unemployment benefits. That 20 or 30K could cost you years of income if you choose to accept it.

[Robert K S]

How could one's Reg. No. possibly be jeopardized by failing to meet a production quota?

[lukertin]

Hello, I need some advice here.   My production currently is pretty low due to repeated rejections by my SPE regarding my references (it is a sad story that happens repeatedly in PTO).  It is very likely that I would be given two options: To quit or get fired.  if that is the case, what should I do?

Here are the pros and cons that I can think of:

     To quit:  Clean record; most likely to have no trouble getting my register number back;  However, I would not get unemployment benefits.

     Get fired: Bad record; not sure about the effect on getting my number back; However, I would be able to get unemployment benefits;


Am I correct?  Any advice would really appreciated!

You missed the one important part of your plan, which is: Have a backup plan.

[teege]

Anyone hear anything regarding the date the new count system will go into effect?

[dablueman]

Anyone hear anything regarding the date the new count system will go into effect?

It is suppose to go into effect for the 2nd fiscal quarter (USPTO fiscal quarter).

[mk1023]

Anyone hear anything regarding the date the new count system will go into effect?

According to my SPE: "The new target date is the first biweek beginning in February.  If testing is not yet completed prior to that date, it would likely be pushed back until the third quarter."

[yapex]

How could one's Reg. No. possibly be jeopardized by failing to meet a production quota?

Not sure if he's talking about the reg. no. for patent agent.  (Or is he?)  Rather, the employee id implying the possibility of returning to the Office.

Hello, I need some advice here.   My production currently is pretty low due to repeated rejections by my SPE regarding my references (it is a sad story that happens repeatedly in PTO).  It is very likely that I would be given two options: To quit or get fired.  if that is the case, what should I do?

Whatever you decide to do, be positive, stay calm and cool, keep it professional, don't burn the bridges, don't ignore the hierarchy (eg don't bypass the SPE before approaching the director), don't badmouth management.  These suggestions seem to be obvious, but I've seen/heard the dont's committed at the Office with predictable outcomes.

[yapex]

Just got this from manager today

"PTO started to hire again - currently, only former patent examiners, PTO retirees, and lawyers with IP field experience are being considered"

Just thought I would share with the class 

The current attrition rate of 40/month would be a cause for concern for management (potentially losing 400-500 examiners/year).

[Examinerguy]

The current attrition rate of 40/month would be a cause for concern for management (potentially losing 400-500 examiners/year).

Wow...thats around 8%/year (relatively good for the PTO). Wonder if that will increase when the economy picks up.

[Robert K S]

Rather [than Agent/Attorney Reg. No.], [he's referring to] the employee id implying the possibility of returning to the Office.

That would make more sense.

[ptonewb]

man,i love this job