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."