Legal Definitions - Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office

The Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office is a person appointed by the President of the United States to lead the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. This person is also known as the Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property.

Before 2000, the person in charge of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office was called the Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks. However, after a reorganization, the title was changed to Director.

The Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office is responsible for overseeing the granting of patents and the registration of trademarks. They also work to protect intellectual property rights in the United States.

For example, if a company invents a new product, they can apply for a patent to protect their invention. The Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office would review the application and decide whether or not to grant the patent.

Another example is if a business wants to register a trademark, such as a logo or slogan. The Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office would review the application and decide whether or not to approve the registration.