Commissioner for Patents Drew Hirshfeld has named Valencia Martin Wallace Deputy Commissioner for International Patent Cooperation (OIPC), effective March 1.
As Deputy Commissioner for OIPC, Ms. Martin Wallace will oversee efforts related to international patent issues, such as work-sharing efforts, technology solutions for international applicants, use of the Cooperative Patent Classification system, and international outreach efforts. Former Deputy Commissioner for OIPC, Mark Powell, will take on the role of Senior Advisor in OIPC. Mr. Powell has led the international cooperative efforts since 2014, contributing to many important improvements to the patent system.
Ms. Martin Wallace previously served as Deputy Commissioner for Patent Quality. Dan Ryman, currently Associate Commissioner for Patent Quality, will serve as acting Deputy Commissioner for Patent Quality until a permanent replacement is identified.
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