HPE executive joins USPTO in top role
New addition brings a wealth of patent litigation experience to the role | Also has a strong background in global IP policy and diversity initiatives.
Vaishali Udupa, an IP attorney and executive at Hewlett Packard Enterprise, is set to join the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) as commissioner for patents.
The USPTO announced the appointment on Friday, December 16. Udupa takes up the reins upon the retirement of Andrew Faile, who had served as acting commissioner for patents since January 2021.
Udupa—who serves as vice president, associate general counsel for litigation at Hewlett Packard Enterprise—will join the office on January 17.
As commissioner for patents, Udupa will oversee the agency’s 10,000 patents employees, including more than 9,000 patent examiners.
USPTO director Kathi Vidal said: “As our agency continues its focus on bringing more individuals into the innovation ecosystem, especially more individuals from communities and areas across America that have yet to fully participate, clarifying rules on what creations are eligible for patents for the greater good of the patent system, and working with union leadership to further energise and invigorate our valued patent corps, I am confident Vaishali is the right leader for our esteemed patents organisation.”
Udupa has more than 20 years of experience in IP advising and litigation and, according to the release, will bring "a wealth of experience" to the agency in areas of patent prosecution and litigation, global IP policy, and diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.
Before joining Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Udupa served as IP litigation manager at HP where she managed IP infringement matters, including disputes at US district courts, the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, the US International Trade Commission and before international courts.
As an attorney in private practice, Udupa participated in multiple IP trials and counselled clients on their IP portfolios.
Udupa has also served as an honorary roll committee co-chair of ChIPs, a nonprofit organisation that advances and connects women in technology, law, and policy.
She has also volunteered with the Girl Scouts Council of the Nation’s Capital to help young girls with their inventorship initiatives, and has taught basic IP topics to high school students through the Street Law Program.
Did you enjoy reading this story? Sign up to our free daily newsletters and get stories sent like this straight to your inbox.
Today’s top stories
Sharp rise in fake goods seized in EU
GoDaddy Corporate Domains shares Sixth Annual Corporate Domain Management Survey highlights
