Message from the Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)

The work of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is critically important to the economic well-being of the United States. Innovation drives investment, creates new jobs, and fuels economic growth. The USPTO is our nation’s Innovation Agency.

We are committed to fostering an intellectual property system that allows American business, entrepreneurs, and innovators to prosper. To achieve our objectives, the Agency recently completed the USPTO 2010-2015 Strategic Plan. The plan details the key strategies and programs we’ll use to reach Agency goals.

The USPTO team has already started implementation. In the past year, we’ve undertaken a series of initiatives to improve the speed and quality of patent processing. We have re-engineered our examiner count system. We are planning for and implementing full end-to-end electronic patent and trademark processing. We have hired a Chief Economist to develop our understanding of the role of intellectual property in the economy. We are accelerating examination for green technology innovations and working to find solutions that put examination priority in the hands of the applicants.

But even with all of this activity, the USPTO faces enormous challenges in performing its mission. The Agency continues to face operational challenges including an antiquated IT system, an increasing inflow of applications, and a large backlog.

With the likelihood that Fiscal Year (FY) 2011 will be a difficult year financially, we are focused on identifying solutions to put the Agency on solid financial footing. We will continue to work with the Administration, Congress, and our stakeholders to identify and implement solutions for a sustainable funding model.

We are confident that the USPTO’s financial and performance data are complete, reliable, accurate, and consistent as we improve our ability to measure progress toward our performance goals. For the 18th consecutive year, we earned an unqualified audit opinion on our annual financial statements. For FY 2010 financial reporting, the independent auditors did not identify any material weaknesses or instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations.

The talent, creativity, and innovative spirit of the USPTO employees are producing positive results for the American people and our economy. I look forward to another productive year, working with our employees and stakeholders to ensure that the USPTO drives innovation, creates jobs, and guarantees America’s competiveness.

David J. Kappos
Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and
Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office

November 9, 2010