The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is still searching for someone to take the reigns of the Department.  Acting Director Teresa Stanek Rea  stepped down from the post late last year.

“It has been a tremendous honor and a true pleasure to serve with you as Deputy Director and Acting Director of the USPTO, America’s own ‘innovation agency.’  It is with deep appreciation and gratitude that I inform you that I have decided to leave the agency in the near future,” her letter stated.

As the Acting Director, Rea had been an admirable replacement for former Director David Kappos. The two worked closely together to implement the voluminous rules required under the America Invents Act (AIA), reduce the patent backlog, and improve cooperation abroad.

Whoever steps in to lead the USPTO will have a host of challenges to manage. In addition to the continued implementation of the AIA and a backlog of patent filings, the agency has been hit hard by sequestration. As I have previously discussed, the USPTO lost $150 million to sequester in fiscal year 2013, which ends this month. It could face additional budget cuts in the upcoming fiscal year.

How Can I Help?

If you, or someone you know, need any help with Intellectual Property issues, from filing a patent, trademark or copyright, or just need advice regarding how best to protect your inventions, ideas or your brand, please contact me for a free 30 minute consultation at nvantreeck@usip.com or call TOLL FREE at 1-855-UR IDEAS (1-855-874-3327) and ask for Norman.

– Ex astris, scientia –

I am and avid amateur astronomer and intellectual property attorney in Pasadena, California and I am a Rising Star as rated by Super Lawyers Magazine.  As a former Chief Petty Officer in the U.S. Navy, I am a proud member of the Armed Service Committee of the Los Angeles County Bar Association working to aid all active duty and veterans in our communities. Connect with me on Google +

Norman