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| John Doll |
USPTO director David Kappos has nominated Robert Stoll, the Office’s dean of training and education, as the new commissioner for patents and has named Margaret Focarino deputy commissioner for patents.
US Commerce Secretary Gary Locke will appoint Doll’s replacement once his retirement becomes official, and expressed support for Stoll’s nomination.
Locke said in a statement: “I have directed the USPTO to pursue an aggressive agenda to significantly reduce the time it takes to process patent applications. The length of time it takes causes uncertainty for inventors and entrepreneurs, stifles innovation and impedes our economic recovery. Bob’s deep knowledge of the Patent Office will make him an important addition to the senior management team as they reform the system and help us regain America’s competitiveness.”
Stoll will serve for a term of five years.
