The PTO, which is funded through fees collected from its users, suspended overtime pay for patent examiners effective Sunday and earlier this year instituted a hiring freeze amid a slump in the number of patent applications filed. Under the bill, the PTO can make use of the money "to support the processing of patents and other activities, services, and materials relating to patents" if the office's director certifies to Congress the use of funds "is reasonably necessary to avoid furloughs or a reduction-in-force." The borrowed money would have to be put back in the trademark basket no later than Sept. 30, 2011.

If the agency and lawmakers deem the situation urgent enough, the bill could advance without a new PTO director in place. IBM executive David Kappos, President Obama's pick for the job, was only named last week and has to trudge through the confirmation process presumably after Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor is considered. John Doll is acting director. Meanwhile, the Senate Appropriations Commerce-Justice-Science Subcommittee on Wednesday approved its FY10 spending bill, giving the PTO full funding at $1.9 billion. Chairwoman Barbara Mikulski, D-Md., said the allotment could help attack the backlog in patent applications.

Update: A Leahy aide on Thursday said the bill did not get introduced Wednesday night but could move soon.

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