Patent Validity Review Changes on Hold for Next PTO Director; Bloomberg BNA, August 3, 2017

Malathi Nayak, Bloomberg BNA; Patent Validity Review Changes on Hold for Next PTO Director

"Plans to change patent validity review proceedings at the Patent and Trademark Office’s Patent Trial and Appeal Board are on hold, the office’s interim director said Aug. 3.

“What direction we take with broad changes to PTAB would have to await the appointment of a permanent director,” Joseph Matal said at the quarterly meeting of the agency’s Patent Public Advisory Committee.

President Donald Trump hasn’t nominated a replacement for former Director Michelle K. Lee, who resigned in June."

The U.S. patent office has named its interim successor to Michelle Lee; Washington Post, June 7, 2017

Brian Fung, Washington Post; The U.S. patent office has named its interim successor to Michelle Lee

"The Commerce Department has tapped Joseph Matal, an associate solicitor at the U.S. Patent and Trademark office, to succeed Michelle Lee as interim director of the intellectual property agency, according to the USPTO.

Matal's appointment comes one day after Lee abruptly resigned from her position. As a temporary replacement, Matal does not need to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate.

Matal has served at the patent office for nearly five years, representing the agency in federal court."