By Godson Umejiego, Correspondent USA
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has announced the appointment of Dan Vavonese as its new Deputy Commissioner for Trademark Operations. Mr. Vavonese served for more than five years as a Group Director for the trademark law offices under Deputy Commissioner Meryl Hershkowitz, who retired at the end of December.
Mr. Vavonese brings over 25 years of experience in trademark operations as an examining attorney, senior attorney, and managing attorney within the law offices. As the Business Architect for Trademarks, he assisted in the planning and updating of information technology and business priorities, and he has also helped lead the development and implementation of recent rule and policy changes. As Deputy Commissioner for Trademark Operations, Vavonese will lead 775 employees who are responsible for all aspects of trademark examination, registration, and maintenance.
“Dan’s proven leadership, as well as his breadth of experience across the trademark spectrum, makes him an outstanding choice to lead our trademark operations division,” said Commissioner for Trademarks at the USPTO, David Gooder,. “The US trademark registration ecosystem will benefit from Dan’s innovative thinking and passion for trademarks both here and abroad.”
Vavonese has a B.S. in Biology from the State University of New York at Geneseo, and a J.D. from the University of Baltimore School of Law. Mr. Vavonese is a member of the Maryland state bar.
Amy Cotton named acting Deputy Commissioner for Trademark Examination Policy
In addition to Vavonese’s appointment, Amy Cotton will serve as the acting Deputy Commissioner for Trademark Examination Policy following Sharon Marsh’s retirement at the end of 2020. In this role, Ms. Cotton will oversee the Offices of Trademark Policy, Petitions, and ID-Class, as well as the Trademark Assistance Center, the Office of Trademark Quality Review and Training, the Trademark Law Library, customer experience, and trademark outreach.
Ms. Cotton will serve in the acting role until a permanent replacement is selected.
