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15 December 2017Patents

Iancu one step closer to USPTO director confirmation

Andrei Iancu is one step closer to being confirmed as head of the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

Yesterday, December 14, Iancu was approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee. The full Senate will now have the final vote on his nomination to lead the office.

US President Donald Trump nominated Iancu back in August to replace Michelle Lee, who left the post in June.

The nominee currently serves as the managing partner of Irell & Manella.

WIPR readers were split over the nomination, with some claiming that Iancu was not sufficiently qualified.

But many pointed to Iancu’s “extensive experience” in the field as a reason for agreeing with the nomination.

In November, Iancu appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee. He admitted that the office could do more to clarify section 101 and vowed to make the issue a priority.

The Innovation Alliance, a group representing innovators and patent owners, welcomed the latest development.

Brian Pomper, executive director of the group, said: “We urge the full Senate to follow the committee’s lead and approve Iancu’s nomination as soon as possible. We look forward to working with Iancu in creating a strong and stable US IP landscape for entities of all sizes, enabling the US to reassert its position as an international leader in innovation.”

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30 November 2017   The nominee to become the next director of the US Patent and Trademark Office, Andrei Iancu, has admitted the office could do more to clarify section 101 and has vowed to make the issue a priority.
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