PRE-PROSECUTION ASSESSMENT PILOT PROGRAM.

SEC. 106. PRE-PROSECUTION ASSESSMENT PILOT PROGRAM.(a) Pilot Program.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Director shall establish a pilot program to assist first-time prospective patent applicants in assessing the strengths and weaknesses of a potential patent application submitted by such a prospective applicant. (b) Considerations.—In developing the pilot program required under subsection (a), the Director shall establish—(1) a notification process to notify a prospective patent applicant seeking an assessment described in that subsection that any assessment so provided may not be considered an official ruling of patentability from the Office; (2) conditions to determine eligibility for the pilot program, taking into consideration available resources; (3) reasonable limitations on the amount of time to be spent providing assistance to each individual first-time prospective patent applicant; (4) procedures for referring prospective patent applicants to legal counsel, including through the patent pro bono programs; and (5) procedures to protect the confidentiality of the information disclosed by prospective patent applicants.