A10 Networks’ Deputy GC Laura A. Peter appointed USPTO’s Deputy Director

On November 6, a press release issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) reported the appointment of Laura A. Peter as Deputy Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Deputy Director of the USPTO, effective November 13, 2018. The announcement of the appointment was made by Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross.

In this regard, Ross said, “Laura Peter brings a breadth of experience and a deep understanding of intellectual property issues to her new role as deputy director of the USPTO. She will be an asset to our administration as we look to increase reliability and balance in the intellectual property system, as well as provide more predictability so that businesses can grow and invest with confidence.”

Thereafter, Andrei Iancu, Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office, said, “I am thrilled that Laura Peter will join the USPTO as Deputy Director. Her thoughtfulness, business sense, and keen understanding of the important role intellectual property plays in today’s economy will be extremely valuable to the USPTO and the IP community.”

Laura concluded, “I am honored to be chosen as USPTO Deputy Director at a time when intellectual property matters are at the forefront of national and international affairs. I look forward to working with Director Iancu and the nearly 13,000 employees of the USPTO to protect and improve our IP system, which is a crown jewel in the American economy.”

Laura has practiced IP law for over 20 years. From October 2015 to October 2018, she held the position of Deputy General Counsel at A10 Networks in Silicon Valley, where she provided counsel on worldwide legal matters, including commercial transactions, intellectual property (IP), licenses, litigation, and regulatory compliance.

Her previous stints include: From December 2008 to October 2018, she was Founder & Principal, Global General Counsel; from October 2012 to September 2015, she was Assistant General Counsel, A10 Networks, Inc.; from July 2007 to March 2013, she was Attorney, FLEX by Fenwick; from March 2010 to November 2010, she was Candidate for State Assembly in San Francisco, California; from January 2005 to September 2008, she was Vice President and General Counsel, Immersion Corporation; from January 2005 to August 2008, she was Counsel, Immersion Medical; from January 2002 to March 2004, she was Director, Acting Associate General Counsel, and Intellectual Property Counsel, Foundry Networks, Inc.; from September 2000 to December 2001, she was Assistant General Counsel, Micromuse Inc.; from September 1999 to September 2000, she was Senior Corporate Counsel, InsWeb Corporation; and from April 1997 to September 1999, she was Associate, Townsend and Townsend and Crew.