U.S. Secretary Penny Pritzker Statement on the Nomination of Michelle Lee as Under Secretary for Intellectual Property and Director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

“Michelle Lee is a terrific talent, and I am delighted the President has nominated her to lead the Patent and Trademark Office, a role that is critically important to ensuring the United States remains a global leader in innovation and entrepreneurship. Michelle is a proven leader with strong management skills, having ably led the PTO since January, and keenly understands the importance of protecting the ideas and discoveries that form the backbone of our economy.  Michelle's story, beginning as the child of immigrants, embodies the American dream, and she brings decades of legal, technical and business experience in delivering real results for our nation’s innovators.  I look forward to continuing to work as a partner with Michelle in preserving and protecting our world-class intellectual property system.”