Coke Morgan Stewart, who previously served as Acting Director and Deputy Director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), has been appointed as the new CEO and president of the Council for Innovation Promotion (C4IP). Stewart’s tenure at the USPTO was marked by efforts to reduce the patent application backlog and to limit access to the Patent Trial and Appeal Board, which reviews the validity of challenged patents. ([news.bloomberglaw.com](https://news.bloomberglaw.com/ip-law/former-patent-office-deputy-joins-patent-rights-advocacy-group?utm_source=openai))
In her new role at C4IP, Stewart aims to advocate for a balanced patent system that fosters innovation while ensuring fair competition. She emphasized the importance of a patent system that, when properly balanced, can drive innovation and economic growth. ([news.bloomberglaw.com](https://news.bloomberglaw.com/ip-law/former-patent-office-deputy-joins-patent-rights-advocacy-group?utm_source=openai))
Stewart’s appointment is part of a broader trend of former USPTO officials transitioning to roles within intellectual property advocacy organizations. For instance, in October 2025, former USPTO Director Kathi Vidal joined the Federal Circuit’s advisory council, bringing her extensive experience to the judicial advisory body. ([law360.com](https://www.law360.com/articles/2395906?utm_source=openai))
These appointments reflect a growing emphasis on leveraging governmental experience to influence and shape intellectual property policy and advocacy efforts in the private sector.