Crowell & Moring Partner Terry Rea Appointed Deputy Director of The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Washington, D.C. – February 17, 2011: Crowell & Moring LLP is pleased to announce that partner Teresa Stanek Rea has been appointed by U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke to the post of Deputy Director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Rea is a Washington, D.C.-based partner of Crowell & Moring's Intellectual Property Group and has worked with the intellectual property community for more than 25 years. She is also the former president of the American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA).

In a news release issued by the USPTO, Secretary Locke stated, "Teresa has an impressive track record of success across several disciplines and will be a tremendous asset to the USPTO. Her leadership will be instrumental in the USPTO's efforts to foster economic growth and job creation by reducing the backlog of patent applications, enhancing patent and trademark quality, and becoming more efficient." 

Serving alongside Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the USPTO David Kappos, Rea will take charge of an office that encourages innovation and technological advancement, and helps businesses protect their investments, promote their goods and safeguard against deception in the marketplace.

Crowell & Moring Intellectual Property Group chair Mark Supko said, "Terry is a valued colleague and friend, and we wish her the very best as she steps forward to serve in the U.S. government. It is a proud day for Crowell & Moring's Intellectual Property Group to see one of our partners called upon for such an instrumental role in an organization that helps America innovate and stay competitive."

Crowell & Moring LLP is an international law firm with nearly 500 lawyers representing clients in litigation and arbitration, regulatory, and transactional matters. The firm is internationally recognized for its representation of Fortune 500 companies in high-stakes litigation, as well as its ongoing commitment to pro bono service and diversity. The firm has offices in Washington, DC, New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Orange County, Anchorage, London, and Brussels.