In her previous role as commissioner for patents, Focarino was responsible for the management and direction of all aspects of the USPTO that affect the administration of patent operations, examination policy, resources and planning, and budget administration. She helped lead the USPTO through the implementation of the America Invents Act.
Oblon has a history of appointing former government officials. It also employs: Gerald Mossinghoff, the former assistant secretary of commerce and commissioner of patents and trademarks; Stephen Kunin, the former deputy commissioner for patent examination policy; and Marybeth Peters, the former register of copyrights.
