USPTO Deputy Director Appointed

U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke has appointed Sharon Barner as deputy director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Locke said Ms. Barner "is a deeply qualified IP attorney and her experience is an important addition to the USPTO senior leadership as they reshape the office and work with Congress to pass comprehensive patent reform." The deputy director's office encourages innovation and technological advancement and helps business protect and promote their intellectual property.

Barner will serve under USPTO Director David Kappos. She has over twenty years of legal experience and has chaired Foley & Lardner's Intellectual Property Department. In addition to representing clients she regularly writes and lectures on various intellectual property topics.