7/16/13: No surprise that the Federal Government is inefficient. Due to an computer issue, my payment to the US Patent office by credit card was not complete. I recieved two phone calls while out of town and did not have my application number with me. I called the patent lawyer examiner and she did not know what it was about, nor had any record I owed any money.
I recieved a notice by mail to call a number to satisfy the account. I called this number 571-272-7262. I was referred to the following numbers each which was preceded by up to 8 computer selection choices or stay on the line. I spoke to a person at each number who referred me to the next “correct” number for payment. I list the wrong numbers out of compasion for anyone who is advised to call them.
571-272-41-00
571-272-6500
571-272-4000
The person at the last number said for me to go to the web site and download a form to pay by credit c ard. I did so, filled it out and sent the FAX.
Along the way I was given a reference # that no one wanted or needed. At the end I was given a service request # 1-264-982-168 which was not to be used.
I now understand why the Federal Government needs so much in taxes from its citizeny; more than 5 people’s time involved in collecting the $210 fee.