Kathi Vidal, the outgoing director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), is set to rejoin Winston & Strawn, her former law firm, as a partner and executive committee member. Her return on December 16 follows a transformative tenure at the USPTO, where she spearheaded significant initiatives addressing artificial intelligence, international intellectual property (IP) challenges, and equity in innovation.
Vidal, originally appointed by President Joe Biden and confirmed in 2022, brought a forward-thinking approach to the agency. Under her leadership, the USPTO focused on crafting AI policies that emphasized transparency and ensured patentability standards encouraged innovation without stifling progress.
She highlighted the agency’s independence, noting that its funding through patent and trademark fees allowed for flexibility in shaping policies and resolving disputes. “IP is a cornerstone of a strong America,” Vidal remarked, expressing confidence in the bipartisan importance of innovation as the country transitions to a new administration.
Deputy Director Derrick Brent will take over as interim USPTO head before President-elect Donald Trump’s administration appoints a successor. The incoming leadership’s direction remains a point of interest, especially given Trump’s past nominee, Andrei Iancu, who championed patent-owner-friendly policies during his tenure.
At Winston & Strawn, Vidal aims to leverage her USPTO experience to guide clients through complex legal and technological challenges in fields such as AI, cybersecurity, and antitrust. She described this transition as a natural extension of her work at the USPTO, saying, “The intersection of tech policy and law is where I’ve expanded the lane for the USPTO, and I’m eager to continue that momentum at Winston.”
Winston’s litigation leaders, Linda Coberly and Tom Melsheimer, praised Vidal’s return, emphasizing her ability to help clients navigate the disruptions brought by technological advancements and geopolitical shifts.
With Vidal’s move, the intersection of innovation and policy remains a dynamic arena, promising new developments in both law and technology as she resumes her role at the firm.
