By Christopher P. Singer --
In a press release
issued last week, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office announced that current Commissioner for Patents, John Doll, has indicated
that he plans to retire from the agency on October 2, 2009. USPTO Director David Kappos has nominated
Robert Stoll (at right), a current USPTO executive, to take over Mr. Doll's position as Commissioner
for Patents. Mr. Stoll has been
with the USPTO for 27 years, and has held a number of management positions
including Supervisory Patent Examiner, Executive Assistant to the Assistant
Secretary of Commerce and Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks, Administrator
of the Office of Legislative and International Affairs, and Director of
Enforcement.
Mr. Kappos also named Margaret ("Peggy")
Focarino (at left) the Deputy Commissioner for Patents. Ms. Focarino has been with the USPTO for more than 32 years,
and has held positions including supervisory patent examiner, technology center
director, and Deputy Commissioner for Patent Operations. As the Deputy Commissioner, Ms.
Focarino had oversight of the agency's patent examining corps. She implemented a new approach to
training examiners, and supported telework programs for patent examiners and
technical support staff.
According to the press release, U.S. Commerce
Secretary Gary Locke expressed support for Mr. Stoll's nomination and is
expected to appoint him once Mr. Doll officially retires.
If appointed, Mr. Stoll will serve as Commissioner for
a term of five years.
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