Patent Office Unveils Leadership Changes
The Patent and Trademark Office will undergo a significant change in senior management next month when Commissioner for Patents John Doll retires after 35 years at the agency. Doll, who is responsible for all aspects of the patent granting process, will depart Oct. 2, the agency said Thursday. He previously served as deputy commissioner for patent resources and planning and earlier led a group of examiners who studied organic chemistry, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology patent applications.
New PTO Director David Kappos has nominated longtime agency executive Bob Stoll to become commissioner for patents and has named Peggy Focarino as his deputy. Stoll has spent 27 years at the PTO and Focarino has been with the agency for more than 32 years. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke, who is responsible for appointing Doll's replacement for a five-year term, expressed support for Stoll's nomination. His deep knowledge of the PTO will make him an important addition to the senior management team, Locke said.
"Working hand-in-hand with Peggy, who has shown incredible skill in patents management and operations, I know they will meet the formidable challenges facing the patent organization, including the need to drastically reduce pendency, improve quality and boost efficiency, all while managing costs in a tough budgetary environment," Kappos said. Early in his tenure, Locke asked the PTO to be aggressive in reducing the time it takes to process patent applications and Kappos has made it a priority.
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