Office of the General Counsel
The USPTO Office of the General Counsel (OGC) plays a vital role in the USPTO’s mission to issue patents and trademarks. It does so by providing timely and innovative legal advice which promotes innovation and creativity.
The General Counsel -- Bernard J. Knight, Jr. -- serves as the Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the USPTO’s principal legal advisor. Moreover, Mr. Knight manages OGC which has approximately 110 employees and consists of three legal offices:
- Office of the Solicitor - represents USPTO in intellectual property matters
- Office of General Law - represents USPTO in matters other than intellectual property
- Office of Enrollment and Discipline (OED) - oversees registration and regulation of patent attorneys and agents to practice before the USPTO
Finally, Mr. Knight also participates at numerous events throughout the country and abroad to disseminate the latest legal issues affecting the issuance of patents and trademarks, e.g., America Invents Act.
General Counsel's Speaking Engagements
- Fordham University Intellectual Property Law Journal
The Effect of Mayo v. Prometheus
November 9, 2012 New York, New York - Global IP Exchange
State of the IP Market
October 11, 2012, Austin, Texas - Minnesota Bar Continuing Education
The America Invents Act: Changing the Landscape of Patent Law & USPTO Implementation of the America Invents Act – A Behind the Scene View
September 20, 2012, Minneapolis, Minnesota - University of St. Thomas
America Invents Act – U.S. Patent Law
September 19, 2012, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Please click here for an all-inclusive list of speaking engagements by year.
Positions of the USPTO
The USPTO Position on Fair Use of Copies of Non-Patent Literature Made in Patent Examination
General Counsel Explanation of Fee Setting Authorities and Procedures
Serving a Complaint
In order to serve a complaint, summons or Notice of Appeal on the United States Patent and Trademark Office ("USPTO") or on the Director of the USPTO or an employee in his or her official capacity you must serve as follows:
A. Any summons or complaint to be served in person or by registered or certified mail or as otherwise authorized by law on the Office to:
Office of the General Counsel
United States Patent and Trademark Office
P.O. Box 1450 Alexandria, VA 22313-1450
B. Service by hand should be made during business hours to:
Office of the General Counsel
United States Patent and Trademark Office
Madison Building East, Room 10B20
600 Dulany Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
The Office of the General Counsel may be reached by telephone at (571) 272-7000 during business hours.
