Christopher Kelly Appointed to USPTO Trademark Public Advisory Committee

February 22, 2019

Washington, DC — Wiley Rein partner Christopher Kelly, chair of the firm’s Trademark Practice, has been appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce to serve on the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) Trademark Public Advisory Committee (TPAC). Mr. Kelly is serving on the committee for a three-year term ending December 1, 2021.

The nine-member committee’s purpose is to “represent the interests of diverse users” of the USPTO; “review the policies, goals, performance, budget, and user fees” of the USPTO with respect to trademarks; and advise the Director of the USPTO on these matters.

In inviting Mr. Kelly to join the TPAC, U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said his 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.