Christopher Kelly Named Vice Chair of USPTO Trademark Public Advisory Committee

January 7, 2020

Washington, DC — Wiley Rein LLP partner Christopher Kelly, chair of the firm’s Trademark Practice, has been appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross to serve as Vice Chair of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) Trademark Public Advisory Committee (TPAC). Mr. Kelly is serving in this position for a one-year term ending December 1, 2020.

Mr. Kelly was named to the TPAC in December 2018 and will serve for a three-year term as an appointed member until December 1, 2021.

The American Investors Act of 1999 created the TPAC to advise the Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the USPTO on matters relating to the policies, goals, performance, budget, and user fees for the trademark operation.

In a letter to Mr. Kelly designating him Vice Chair of TPAC, Secretary Ross said Mr. Kelly’s continued service on the committee would “enhance the USPTO in its dedicated mission to provide the highest quality of service to those individuals who use the trademark system, and to protect the intellectual property of trademark owners.”

Mr. Kelly represents clients in connection with all aspects of trademark enforcement, procurement, and management, including trademark and unfair competition litigation in the federal courts and proceedings before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board. He also handles cybersquatting and Internet domain name disputes and litigation, including proceedings under the Uniform Dispute Resolution Procedure (UDRP), domestic and international trademark clearance and prosecution, licensing, and client counseling. Mr. Kelly’s clients include restaurant chains, media and communications conglomerates, Internet and insurance firms, and textile and food manufacturers.

To see the full list of TPAC members, please click here.