AIPLA Urges Senate to Confirm Katherine (Kathi) Vidal as Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the USPTO

On November 30, 2021, the American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA) submitted a letter to Chair Richard J. Durbin and Ranking Member Charles E. Grassley of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary in support of Katherine (Kathi) Vidal’s nomination of Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

The letter outlined components of the set of criteria that AIPLA used to address the needed qualifications for an individual appointed to serve as the leader of the USPTO, such as a deep background and understanding of intellectual property law, as well as demonstrated executive leadership ability through successfully managing a substantially sized organization. It was also noted that the candidate must have a demonstrable commitment and willingness to engage with the various stakeholders who are impacted by the U.S. intellectual property systems’ operations.

Upon reviewing the background and experience of Ms. Vidal, AIPLA concluded that she possesses all the qualifications regarded as the hallmark of a successful Undersecretary and Director, and as such, urged the Senate to move forward expeditiously to confirm her nomination.

To read the full letter, please download the file.