CONTACT: (Media Only)
Paul Fucito
(571) 272-8400 or paul.fucito@uspto.gov
WASHINGTON - The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) today announced that Andrei Iancu began his first official day as Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the USPTO. Mr. Iancu, who was nominated by President Trump last August, was unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate on Monday. In his new role, Mr. Iancu will provide leadership and oversight to one of the largest intellectual property offices in the world, with over 12,000 employees and an annual budget of over $3 billion. Mr. Iancu will also serve as the principal advisor to the President, through the Secretary of Commerce, on domestic and international intellectual property policy matters.
“Andrei’s diverse intellectual property background and leadership will prove invaluable to the USPTO's efforts to bolster economic growth and promote American innovation,” said Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross. “I look forward to working with Andrei and the rest of the USPTO team.”
Prior to joining the USPTO, Mr. Iancu was the Managing Partner at Irell & Manella LLP, where his practice focused on intellectual property litigation. Mr. Iancu appeared in a variety of high-profile matters in front of the USPTO, U.S. district courts, the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, and the U.S. International Trade Commission. He has represented clients across the technical and scientific spectra, including those associated with medical devices, genetic testing, therapeutics, the internet, telephony, TV broadcasting, video game systems and computer peripherals.
Mr. Iancu has also taught patent law at the UCLA School of Law, and has written and spoken publicly on a variety of intellectual property issues. Prior to his legal career, Mr. Iancu was an engineer at Hughes Aircraft Company.
Throughout his career, many organizations have recognized Mr. Iancu for his work. Among his legal community accolades, the Daily Journal, California Lawyer magazine, Los Angeles Business Journal, Chambers USA, Best Lawyers in America, and many others have acknowledged his expertise in commercial litigation and intellectual property law. Mr. Iancu has also been the recipient of the Patent and Trademark Office Society 36th Annual Rossman Award, the Hughes Aircraft Malcolm R. Currie Innovation Award, and the Melville B. Nimmer Copyright Award.
“Our patent system is the crown jewel that provides both the incentives and the protections necessary to enable innovation and growth. I look forward to working together with my colleagues as we lead the office in a culture of excellence that serves the interests of all of its constituents and the public at large,” Iancu said.
Mr. Iancu becomes the 59th leader of the United States Patent and Trademark Office and will work with our nation's inventors and entrepreneurs to promote job creation, economic growth, sustainable development, and improved standards of living.
Mr. Iancu holds a J.D. from the UCLA School of Law. He also has a M.S. in Mechanical Engineering and a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, both from UCLA.
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