White House hires new IP chief
The US government has appointed a new Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator (IPEC), a year after the role became vacant.
Daniel Marti, who leaves his role as managing partner at Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP in Washington, DC, becomes only the second person to assume the position.
The IPEC is responsible for coordinating the US government’s response to IP infringement, working with groups including federal agencies, law enforcement organisations and foreign governments.
Marti replaces Victoria Espinel, who stepped down last summer after four years in charge to become president of The Business Software Alliance, a trade group representing the software industry.
Since then, Howard Shelanski, the administrator of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, has been covering the IPEC role while a search for a permanent replacement was conducted.
At Kirkpatrick Townsend, Marti handled matters such as trademarks, false advertising, unfair competition, copyright, trade secrets and cybersquatting.
Henry Walker, Kilpatrick Townsend chair, said the White House has made a “great choice” in Marti, who is also a member of the International Trademark Association (INTA).
“The entire firm congratulates him on this outstanding honour,” he said.
Susan Spaeth, Kilpatrick Townsend managing partner, added: “This position plays a critical role in implementing the president’s strategy for protecting some of the most important and powerful assets that help drive the nation’s economy.”
Following the appointment, INTA president Mei-lan Stark said the association is pleased to see a long-serving member assume such a prestigious and influential position within the US government.
“We wish Mr Marti the very best in this new role and look forward to working with the office of the IPEC on shared goals relating to IP protection,” she said.
The IPEC position was created under the Bush administration, in 2008.
