It's Official: Stephen Pinkos is Leaving the USPTO

After a week of speculation over the resignation of Stephen Pinkos, an e-mail distributed from the USPTO confirms that he has stepped down:

USPTO DEPUTY UNDER SECRETARY PINKOS TO LEAVE USPTO

Will Move to Private Role in IP Policy

Stephen M. Pinkos, deputy under secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and deputy director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), has announced that he will be leaving the USPTO at the end of March.

"My time here has been very rewarding and a tremendous opportunity to work with dedicated people who appreciate the importance of intellectual property (IP)," remarked Deputy Under Secretary Pinkos who will be moving with his family to Fort Worth, Texas. "It was difficult for me to decide to leave the USPTO before the end of President Bush’s term, but this is the right time for our family."

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The Secretary of Commerce appointed Mr. Pinkos to the position of Deputy Under Secretary in August 2004. As a leader in intellectual property (IP) policy, he has helped develop and articulate Administration positions on all patent, copyright, and trademark issues, both domestic and foreign. He also has promoted strong IP policy globally, including strategies to thwart the theft of U.S. IP around the world. As an agency leader, he implemented policies and initiatives that provide innovators with quality and timely patent and trademark examinations. Before coming to the USPTO, Steve served as Staff Director for the House of Representatives Committee on the Judiciary.

View Stephen's bio here.

Of course, when administrations approach their twilight year, it is common to see numerous resignations during this time period - more resignations are expected in the coming year.