It should not come as much of a surprise that major shakeups are ahead for the U.S. Federal Government, with President-Elect Donald Trump voted back into office and starting his second term in January 2025. But will this involve the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)? Yes, it appears the first domino has already fallen, with USPTO director Kathi Vidal indicating that she would be stepping down and returning to private practice in December.
Director Vidal had been a nominee of President Joe Biden in 2021, and she faced numerous challenges during her time directing the USPTO, particularly in helping foster the agency’s approach to artificial intelligence.
Time will tell whom President-Elect Trump chooses to replace Director Vidal. During Trump’s previous term, the USPTO seemed to push policy generally in favor of patent owners, and Director Vital’s leadership seemed to align with that approach. Stay tuned to learn if that trend will continue.
ShareholderJohn is a shareholder in Fredrikson’s Intellectual Property Group. He is registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. His practice focuses on patent preparation and prosecution, counseling clients ...