Politically Connected PTO Solicitor to Run Agency on Interim Basis
Joseph Matal was name the interim head after Michelle Lee's sudden resignation earlier this week.
June 08, 2017 at 07:55 AM
14 minute read
Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross has chosen PTO Associate Solicitor Joseph Matal as the interim head of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office following Michelle Lee's surprise resignation Tuesday.
Matal was not given a formal title but will “perform the functions and duties of the Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the USPTO,” according to a press release issued by the Commerce Department Wednesday afternoon.
The announcement came just hours after reports began circulating that the agency had bypassed its acting deputy director, Anthony Scardino, leaving Commissioner for Patents Drew Hirshfeld in charge.
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