FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
On Tuesday, April 5th, the Senate voted to confirm Katherine (“Kathi”) Vidal as the Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Chris Israel, Executive Director of the Alliance of U.S. Startups and Inventors for Jobs (USIJ), issued the following statement:
“USIJ applauds the Senate for voting to confirm Kathi Vidal as the Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the USPTO by a voice vote. As an association of inventors, startups, and entrepreneurs that depend on a strong U.S. patent system, we are pleased that Ms. Vidal is leading the USPTO at this critical moment.
As one of the premier intellectual property lawyers in the country, Ms. Vidal is a dynamic leader who is eminently qualified to serve in this role. Ms. Vidal brings her vast experience representing both plaintiffs and defendants, including Fortune 100 companies and start-ups, in U.S. district courts, and before the International Trade Commission and the USPTO.
Our members strongly support Ms. Vidal’s confirmation and look forward to working with her on the many critical issues impacting our nation’s entrepreneurs and innovators during her tenure.”