The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has revealed its plans for a new Office of Public Engagement with the primary purpose of enhancing its communication and outreach endeavors. Coinciding with this announcement, the agency is now actively on a search for a candidate to fill the important position of the chief at this new establishment. (Law360)
Currently responsible for granting U.S. patents and registering trademarks, the USPTO’s decision to introduce the Office of Public Engagement is likely geared towards providing more opportunities for public interactions. The move also suggests the agency’s recognition and understanding of the importance of effective communication and interaction with the public, potentially suggesting a future direction of greater transparency and inclusivity.
While the office itself is of particular interest to many within the legal profession, the USPTO has yet to fill the chief position of this new division. It remains to see who will guide the Office of Public Engagement objectives and help actualize the office’s anticipated role within the larger agency.