§ Judy MallaberTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what targets he has set the Patent Office for 1999–2000. [83001]
§ Dr. HowellsI have set the Patent Office the following targets for 1999–2000.
Patents
225WTo issue 14,500 patent search reports or combined search and examination reports on average within 3 months from the date of request, with 90 per cent. of those within 4 months from the date of request.To grant 8,500 valid patents on average within 2 years from the date of filing of the request for substantive examination, with 90 per cent. of those within 3 years from the date of request.Design
To register 7,700 designs on average within 5 months from the date of filing of the application, with 90 per cent. of those within 12 months.To process 70,000 trade mark class applications with a target to register within 9 months 90 per cent. of those to which no substantive objections are raised or oppositions filed.Finance
To pay 100 per cent. of bills within 30 days of receipt of goods or services or a valid invoice, whichever is the later.Questions designated to the Chief Executive
The Chief Executive will reply within 10 working days to all letters from Members of Parliament delegated to her for reply.Efficiency Target
To increase output in relation to current expenditure by an average of at least 2 per cent. per annum over the period 1998–99 to 2002–03.