Lee quits as USPTO director

Ending months of speculation and palace intrigue, Michelle Lee resigned Tuesday as Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

A holdover from the Obama administration, Lee had publicly stated her desire to retain her position. The Trump administration had not said whether it intended to keep her on the job, prompting vigorous lobbying from Lee’s supporters and opponents. Lee announced her resignation in an email to staff. The White House has not formally announced her resignation or any plans for nominating a replacement. ...