Knobbe Martens is proud to announce that partner Susan Natland, who is based in the firm’s Orange County office, has been appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce to serve as Vice Chair of the United States Patent and Trademark Office’s (USPTO) Trademark Public Advisory Committee (TPAC).
Natland is serving her second year of a three-year term on this prestigious committee, which advises the Director of the USPTO and the Commissioner of Trademarks on important trademark matters.
“The TPAC plays a critical role in providing advice and insight to help maintain and improve our trademark system,” said Natland. “It is an honor to serve alongside such respected trademark colleagues to help inform policy and regulations that impact the lives of individuals and the ability of companies to be successful. This year, the USPTO will focus more than ever on trademark initiatives. With the passing of the Trademark Modernization Act, and other important initiatives in the pipeline, I am happy to be in a position to support trademark rights and brand owners worldwide. In my new role as Vice Chair, I will continue to strive for reasonable rules and regulations, equitable standards, and fair enforcement policies that strengthen brand protection and promote brand integrity.”
“Susan is a highly skilled, hands-on trademark attorney with a deep understanding of the trademark system and policy. She is an excellent choice to serve as Vice Chair of the Committee and will no doubt make valuable and insightful contributions to the U.S. trademark law in this role,” said Steven Nataupsky, Managing Partner of Knobbe Martens.
A seasoned leader who has practiced law for almost 25 years, Natland serves as Co-Chair of Knobbe Martens’ Trademark Brand Protection Group and Chair of its Data Privacy and Security Group. She recently served on the International Trademark Association’s (INTA) Presidential Task Force, and has previously held leadership roles within that organization including Chair of its Enforcement Committee. She also recently served as an Adjunct Professor at UCLA School of Law teaching advanced trademark law. Numerous business and legal publications have ranked Natland as one of the top trademark attorneys in the U.S. and globally, among them World IP Review (“Most Influential Women in IP”), and Managing IP (“IP Stars” and “Top 250 Women in IP”). Meanwhile, the International Law Office (ILO) has singled Natland out for its annual “Client Choice Award” for California numerous times.
The press release issued by the USPTO announcing the TPAC’s new advisory committee members and leadership can be viewed here.
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