The U.S. Senate has confirmed David Kappos as the new Under Secretary for Intellectual Property and Director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Kappos, a former vice president and assistant general counsel at IBM, told members of the Senate Judiciary Committee that reviewed his nomination that he is committed to streamline the government’s patent review process and to tackle piracy problems in the U.S. and abroad. He is also expected to advance the patent reform legislation that has been stalled in Congress for the past several years.

“I will use my international experience and my understanding of global IP trends to help this Administration represent, advance, and protect the interests of American innovators in the global arena and to lead the world in developing strong, balanced, inclusive intellectual property systems that advance the well-being of all participants.”

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