Vaishali Udupa has resigned as the USPTO Commissioner after more than two years, raising concerns regarding her previous support for diversity initiatives and connections to former Director Kathi Vidal. The Commissioner, appointed for a 5-year term, can be removed by the Secretary of Commerce for cause, but her resignation coincides with broader pressures from President Trump encouraging federal employees to transition to private sector roles. Rising patent application backlogs and a shift in leadership focus under the upcoming Secretary of Commerce, Howard Lutnick, are evident priorities as the PTO undergoes changes.
Udupa's resignation may have been influenced by her connections to former director Kathi Vidal and ongoing diversity initiatives, amidst rising patent backlog concerns.
The Commissioner of Patents can be removed by the Secretary of Commerce, but the law stipulates that it must be for misconduct or poor performance.
Udupa's resignation aligns with President Trump's directive encouraging federal workers to leave for the private sector, coupled with pushing for reduced patent backlog.
With rising patent application backlogs noted, the new Secretary of Commerce is likely eager for changes at the PTO, including leadership adjustments.
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