Drew Hirshfeld has now taken-on the role as Commissioner of Patents at the USPTO after being appointed by Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker. Hirshfeld is filling the office left by Peggy Focarino’s recent retirement. Earlier this year I suggested that Hirshfeld was a likely appointee.
Commissioner Hirshfeld has been with the USPTO for more than 20-years. He originally joined as an examiner but moved up through the ranks by proving himself to be smart, reliable, and reasonable. Hirshfeld was David Kappos Chief of Staff and has been the Deputy Commissioner for Patent Examination Policy under Director Lee. Prior to that, he served as a group director for TC2100.
Congratulations on an excellent appointment.