Washington — US Patent and Trademark Office Director Michelle Lee will stay on during the next administration, according to news reports.
The Computer & Communications Industry Association has advocated for patent reform for more than two decades. CCIA represents companies that hold patents and require licenses from patent holders to ensure complex technology products and services are interoperable.
The following can be attributed to CCIA President & CEO Ed Black:
“This is a wise decision, bringing continuity to critical issues at a critical time. It supports the patent office’s ongoing efforts to improve patent quality under Lee’s leadership. Lee comes from the tech industry and has a deep understanding of patents and how to support both current innovators and next generation innovation.”
The following can be attributed to CCIA patent counsel Matt Levy:
“Michelle Lee has started a number of programs to enhance patent quality, and it’s important that those programs be allowed to continue. With Director Lee continuing on, those programs will have the chance to produce real improvements in the patents the USPTO issues. There is still much work remaining to streamline and enhance the process of reviewing patent applications, and I think that Director Lee has shown that she is someone who can move that work forward. There are also major infrastructure projects that will take years to complete. Director Lee has also shown a commitment to transparency and communication with industry that we are glad will continue.
“Patent law has been going through some major changes in the last few years. The America Invents Act went into effect, the Supreme Court has weighed in on a number of different aspects of patent law, and American innovation advances at a breakneck pace. The stability of the USPTO is as important as ever, and we are pleased that Michelle Lee will continue as its Director.”