Crowell & Moring's Rea joins USPTO
Teresa Stanek Rea has been appointed as the deputy director of the US Patent and Trademark Office.
Commerce Secretary Gary Locke made the appointment on February 17.
Rea was a partner in Crowell & Moring's IP group and was based in the firm's Washington, DC office.
Mark Supko, chair of Crowell & Moring’s IP group, said: “It is a proud day for Crowell & Moring’s IP group to see one of our partners called upon for such an instrumental role in an organisation that helps America innovate and stay competitive.”
Rea replaces Sharon Barner, who joined Foley & Lardner LLP on February 22.
The new USPTO deputy director specialises in intellectual property and dispute resolution in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors.
David Kappos, director of the USPTO, said: “I look forward to working with Rea to improve operations at the USPTO and make the agency more responsive to the needs of the American people.”
Rea served as president of the American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA) between 2008 and 2009.
David Hill, the AIPLA’s current president, said: “Rea is a terrific choice to serve at [David] Kappos’ side at this critical time in the US patent system.”
