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| John Doll |
USPTO director David Kappos has nominated Robert Stoll, the Offices 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 Dolls replacement once his retirement becomes official, and expressed support for Stolls 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. Bobs 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 Americas competitiveness.
Stoll will serve for a term of five years.