Vidal Looks All Set to Lead the USPTO After Confident Senate Hearing

On December 1, the Senate Judiciary Committee held the nomination hearing for United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) director nominee, Kathi Vidal. In the hearing, Kathy pledged that her only agenda as director is to advance innovation in the United States, while strengthening the country’s IP system. In order to strengthen the IP system in the United States, Kathy aims to improve patent quality and the integrity of the trademark registry. Intellectual Asset Management interviewed Finnegan partner and president of the Federal Circuit Bar Association, Laura Masurovsky to discuss the hearing.

Laura explained that “improving patent quality” can have different interpretations in the IP community, and the USPTO’s role is to ensure patents are strong and solid. She added, “Any PTO director would want to achieve this and would strive to strengthen it.”

Laura stated that she was impressed with Vidal’s vision for the United States as a leader in innovation. She said, “There is an impact in what goes on in the rest of the world on our ability to maintain our role as a leader in innovation. With her track record, she will bring to bear a balanced view about how to achieve those goals.”

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