Scott Boalick Named PTAB Chief Judge

The USPTO has appointed Scott R. Boalick as Chief Judge for the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB). Boalick, the former Deputy Chief and current acting Chief Judge for the PTAB, begins his new role today.

Andrei Iancu, Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the USPTO, noted that Boalick played a major role in the implementation of several key PTAB reforms since the Director took office in February 2018.

“Chief Judge Boalick will continue leading PTAB’s efforts to ensure that its proceedings are balanced and transparent, while also working toward a one-year pendency for completion of ex parte appeals, and implementing the Office’s new § 101 Guidance,” Iancu said.

“We have a hard-working and highly capable PTAB team. It has been my honor and privilege to work with the talented judges and staff at the Board for nearly 12 years and I am excited to have the opportunity to serve as its Chief Judge,” said Boalick.

The USPTO also announced that Jacqueline Bonilla has been appointed as the Deputy Chief Judge of the PTAB, having served as the acting Deputy Chief Judge of the PTAB since September 2018. Bonilla will also begin her position today.