Focarino took over as patent commissioner in January 2012, replacing Robert Stoll. She previously was deputy patent commissioner.
Focarino began her career at the USPTO in 1977 as a patent examiner. She was promoted to the senior executive service in 1997.
“Peggy has been an inspiration to so many individuals who have aspired to further American innovation through public service,” said Michelle Lee, director of the USPTO. “Since 1977, when she began her career as a patent examiner, she has proven to be a role model of professionalism and dedication. Her tenure as Commissioner for Patents occurred at a historic moment in the patent system’s 225-year history, during the enactment of the transformative America Invents Act. I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked with her over the last several years, and congratulate her on an extremely successful career.”