[registrars] Interesting Statistic

["Michael D. Palage" <michael@palage.com>]

I found the following trademark statistic relevant in light of the
decreasing zone files:

See http://federaltimes.com/index.php?S=944730

Because of an unprecedented drop in trademark applications, the Patent and
Trademark Office is laying off 135—or 34 percent—of its 383 trademark
examining attorneys.

[L]ayoffs were the result of a steep reduction in business with applications
plummeting from 375,000 in 2000 to 296,000 in 2001.

[A]gency is anticipating another decline in 2002, forecasting about 250,000
applications.