July 29, 2002
#02-54
USPTO Announces Sharper Focus on International and Legislative Relations
USPTO Announces Sharper Focus on International and Legislative Relations.Establishes New Office to Strengthen the U.S. International IP Role
As part of its 21st Century Strategic Plan, the Department
of Commerce's United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)
announced today a restructuring of its legislative and
international affairs operations. The restructured office will
have three divisions dealing with Congressional relations,
international affairs and enforcement programs. The change
results from the recent top-to-bottom review of the agency
ordered by Under Secretary of Commerce James E. Rogan.
"Over the last several years the demands of international
negotiations, legislative changes and Congressional interest in
the broad range of intellectual property issues has increased,"
Director Rogan commented. "The USPTO needs to strengthen its
position within the executive branch as the leading authority
on intellectual property issues. I believe that the
restructuring we are announcing will help us accomplish that
goal and enhance President Bush's commitment to maintaining
America's technological and economic edge in today's global
economy." Lois Boland, currently an Attorney-Advisor in the
Office of Legislative and International Affairs (OLIA), will be
the acting head of the new international division.
The new Office of Congressional Relations will enable the USPTO
to more effectively interface with Congress on a wide range of
informational matters related to intellectual property. "As a
former member of Congress, I know how important good relations
with the executive branch can be in helping members do their
job effectively," Rogan noted. "We have a lot of very important
issues before Congress and by devoting an office solely to our
dealings with the Hill, we will greatly enhance our
relationship with both the House and Senate." Christopher
Katopis, currently Counsel for the House Judiciary Subcommittee
on Courts, the Internet and Intellectual Property, will head
the Congressional relations division.
Under the new structure, enforcement will still be an important
part of the USPTO's effort to protect the interests of American
intellectual property holders worldwide. A core group of staff
will continue to devote their efforts to substantive
enforcement workload of the agency drawing upon support from
patent, trademark and copyright attorneys within the office.
Robert Stoll, currently OLIA's Administrator, will head the
enforcement division.
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