Margaret J.A. Peterlin has been appointed as the deputy director of the USPTO -- second-in-command behind director Jon Dudas. Like the Director, Ms. Peterlin is a University of Chicago Law School graduate and spent most of her legal career in the halls of Congress. The job of deputy director opened-up after Steve Pinkos left to return to Texas. Jon Dudas was the Deputy Director from 2002 to 2004 when his promotion came-through.
From the USPTO Press Release:
“Margaret is a tremendous asset to the USPTO. With an impressive track record of success across several disciplines, she has established herself as a proven leader, strategic legal thinker, and knowledgeable legislative tactician,” said Jon Dudas, Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the USPTO. “Margaret will apply these skills to USPTO's challenges, which she well understands from her time representing the leadership of the U.S. House of Representatives. Margaret's leadership will be instrumental in the USPTO's efforts to work with applicants to enhance the quality of their applications, process patents and trademarks in a timely manner, and operate in a way that motivates our employees and inspires our international partners.”
The role of deputy director is appointed by the "Secretary of Commerce, upon nomination by the Director . . . [and] shall be a citizen of the United States who has a professional background and experience in patent or trademark law." 35 U.S.C. 3.
Ms. Peterlin's full title will be: Deputy Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Deputy Director of the Commerce Department’s United States Patent and Trademark Office.
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