Patent Law Practice Center

Kappos Stepping Down at USPTO

With no notice to the public, and after the Senate was reported to have adjourned for their August recess, on Friday, August 7, 2009, David Kappos was confirmed as Undersecretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office.  It was with that inauspicious start that Director Kappos came to power at the USPTO.  At the time of Kappos’ confirmation I wrote:  “I think getting him in place sooner rather than later is exactly the right thing to do.  Nevertheless, I am not a fan of government rushing so fast that they forget basic principles of open government.” See Kappos Confirmed as USPTO Director. I’m still not a fan of what I have at times referred to as “government by ambush,” but over the years since Kappos’s confirmation, it became exceptionally clear that President Obama made exactly the right pick for the USPTO.

Early in the day on Monday, November 26, 2012, Kappos announced internally at the USPTO that he has decided to step down and leave the agency. The end of the Kappos era will take place sometime at the end of January 2013.

“I am honored to have served this administration by leading the USPTO,” said Kappos. “I believe we have made great progress in reducing the patent backlog, increasing operational efficiency, and exerting leadership in IP policy domestically and internationally. Thanks to the entire USPTO staff for their dedication and hard work. I wish them the very best as they continue their efforts to support the U.S. economy by promoting and protecting innovation.”

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