On July 13, 2020, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) announced that Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross reappointed Commissioner for Patents Drew Hirshfeld. This will be the second five-year term for Mr. Hirshfeld. Had the term not been renewed, it would have concluded in July of 2020.
“Commissioner Hirshfeld and his team have done an excellent job in recent years of improving patent pendency, quality and overall operations, while helping to implement significant changes to examination guidance in many areas, including patent eligibility,” said Andrei Iancu, Under Secretary of Commerce and Director of the USPTO. “I am confident that under his ongoing leadership, the Patents organization will continue the efforts we have recently undertaken and operate at the highest levels of excellence to meet the needs of our ever-important and ever-evolving intellectual property system.”
“I am deeply honored that Secretary Ross and Director Iancu have given me the opportunity to remain of service to our almost 10,000 patents employees, to our inventor community, and to the public,” said Commissioner Hirshfeld. “My mission is to constantly adapt and improve the way the Patents organization operates to ensure that we provide the best customer service possible. I look forward to continuing to work with our leadership team to ensure that we meet our goals each year.”
Mr. Hirshfeld began his career at the USPTO in 1994 where he worked as a patent examiner. Mr. Hirshfeld received a Bachelor of Science from the University of Vermont and a J.D. from Western New England College School of Law.
Congratulations on the re-appointment.
