The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office is requesting comments regarding a proposal of a fasttrack ex parte reexamination voucher pilot program to create incentives for technologies and licensing behavior that address humanitarian needs through the intellectual property system, which would allow patent owners to more readily and less expensively affirm the validity of their patents. Comments are due by November 19, 2010.
The International Trade Administration is currently seeking nominations for membership on the Civil Nuclear Trade Advisory Committee (CINTAC). The purpose of the CINTAC is to advise the Secretary regarding the development and administration of programs to expand U.S. exports of civil nuclear goods and services in accordance with applicable U.S. regulations. Nominations are due by October 12, 2010.
The National Marine Fisheries Service announces its finding that a petition to list Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) as endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) presents substantial scientific information indicating the petitioned action may be warranted, and NMFS will conduct a status review to determine whether it should prohibit the international trade in specimens of this species under the ESA. Information related to this petition finding is due by November 19, 2010.
The White House has posted a new report, "100 Recovery Act Projects that are Changing America,” which highlights some of the most innovative and effective Recovery Act projects across the U.S.
The State Department announces a meeting of the Advisory Committee on International Postal and Delivery Services on October 19, 2010. The agenda of the meeting will include a review of the results of the April 2010 UPU Postal Operations Council, the major issues to arise at the November 2010 UPU Council of Administration, and other subjects related to international postal and delivery services of interest to Advisory Committee members and the public.
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative announced that delegations from the U.S. and Japan met September 14-15, 2010 for discussions on issues related to bilateral trade in beef and beef products. The discussions covered a wide array of technical topics related to bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), including: regulations and regulatory processes, risk assessment process for beef and beef products, and import inspection and border measures.
The Department of Agriculture’s Grain Inspection, Packers, and Stockyards Administration is issuing an advance notice of proposed rulemaking to review the U.S. Standards and grading procedures for procedures for rough rice, brown rice for processing, and milled rice under the U.S. Grain Standards Act, as numerous changes have occurred in the breeding and production practices of rice; the technology used to harvest, process, and test rice; and rice marketing since the standards were last revised. Comments are due by December 16, 2010.
The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau has issued a new circular to provide the alcohol beverage industry with guidance and an explanation of TTB's policy on the voluntary recall of certain mislabeled or adulterated alcohol beverages (wines, malt beverages, and distilled spirits) from the marketplace.
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has issued a proposed rule to amend the livestock exportation regulations to eliminate the requirement for pre-export tuberculosis and brucellosis testing of goats and breeding swine intended for export to countries that do not require such tests. Comments are due by November 16, 2010.
On September 15, 2010, President Obama announced his intent to appoint the 30 individuals as members of the Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations.