Kathi Vidal Departs USPTO for Private Practice

Outgoing U.S. Patent and Trademark Office director Kathi Vidal said that she will rejoin her former law firm Winston & Strawn on December 16, 2024 after leaving the agency. During her tenure, she crafted policies addressing the effects of artificial intelligence on the patent world, international IP issues and racial and gender gaps in innovation and entrepreneurship. 

Deputy director Derrick Brent will replace Vidal before Republican President-elect Donald Trump’s administration takes office. Trump has not yet announced his choice for USPTO director. Vidal will rejoin Winston as a partner and member of the firm’s executive committee in Silicon Valley and Washington, D.C.