From the Alliance


Jan. 13, 2022

Innovation Alliance Statement on Senate Judiciary Committee Vote on Kathi Vidal to be Director of USPTO

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Innovation Alliance Executive Director Brian Pomper today issued the following statement in response to the Senate Judiciary Committee favorably reporting Kathi Vidal to the full Senate for confirmation as Director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO):

“The Innovation Alliance congratulates Kathi Vidal on receiving strong support from the Senate Judiciary Committee on her nomination to be Director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

“As a leading patent attorney and intellectual property expert, Ms. Vidal brings the kind of experience we need at the USPTO. We also believe she has the leadership qualities required to be a successful, even-handed USPTO Director. We are encouraged by her commitment to work with all stakeholders in the patent system to advance U.S. innovation, as well as her commitment to examine ‘potential abuses of the IPR process’ and to work with Congress to assess ‘whether further reform is necessary.’

“We urge the full Senate to follow the Committee’s lead and approve Ms. Vidal’s nomination. It is critical that we have strong leadership in place at the Patent Office to help ensure our patent system continues to serve as a driving force for our economy, supporting American innovation, job creation and global competitiveness.”

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ABOUT THE INNOVATION ALLIANCE

The Innovation Alliance represents innovators, patent owners and stakeholders from a diverse range of industries that believe in the critical importance of maintaining a strong patent system that supports innovative enterprises of all sizes. Innovation Alliance members can be found in large and small communities across the country, helping to fuel the innovation pipeline and drive the 21st century economy. Learn more at www.innovationalliance.net.