On the Record with Patent Commissioner Drew Hirshfeld
On July 30, 2015, Drew Hirshfeld was sworn in as the new Commissioner for Patents. Prior to taking the helm of patent operations as Commissioner for Patents, Hirshfeld served as Deputy Commissioner for Patent Examination Policy. Even before assuming the position of Deputy Commissioner, Hirshfeld was no stranger to senior management, having served two years as the USPTO Chief of Staff for David Kappos. He also served as a Supervisory Patent Examiner as well as a Group Director of Technology Center 2100, overseeing Computer Networking and Database workgroups.
I spoke with Hirshfeld on the record on August 10, 2015. What follows are some of the highlights of the interview. For more please see the complete transcript of our interview.
Drew Hirshfeld Appointed New Commissioner for Patents
Yesterday, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) announced that Drew Hirshfeld has been appointed as the new Commissioner for Patents. Hirshfeld, who was previously the Deputy Commissioner for Patent Examination Policy, takes over as the result of the retirement of Margaret “Peggy” Focarino. Focarino’s last day at the Office was June 30, 2015. After Focarino’s retirement and prior to Hirshfeld being sworn in, Deputy Commissioner for Patent Operations Andrew Faile was Acting Commissioner for Patents.
“Drew Hirshfeld brings a wealth of experience to his new post as the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s Commissioner for Patents,” Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker said. “As Deputy Commissioner and in his previous position as USPTO Chief of Staff, Drew has been a valuable resource for the U.S. Department of Commerce and our ‘Open for Business Agenda.’ In his new role, I know he will continue to serve the American people and our nation’s great innovators.”
08.10.15 | USPTO | Gene Quinn
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09.25.15 | Patent Issues, USPTO | Gene Quinn