The Role of Intellectual Property in Global Economics and Trade

David Kappos
Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)

Intellectual Property Committee

Director Kappos will discuss developing themes in international intellectual property law and policy as well as the role of intellectual property in global economics and trade. His remarks will focus on USPTO cooperation with China on IPR issues, the function and role of USPTO officers and activities in China, and future opportunities for bi-lateral cooperation on IP issues. The Director will also discuss lessons from the Digital Millennium Copyright Act and other issues of interest to the global IP community.

Mr. David Kappos is the Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the USPTO. In this role he advises the President, the Secretary of Commerce, and the Administration about intellectual property matters. Over a 20-year career, Mr. Kappos has accrued deep knowledge of the patent system and broad respect from professionals across the field – including the biotech, life sciences and high tech sectors. Most recently, he was the vice president and assistant general counsel for intellectual property at IBM. Specifically, Mr. Kappos managed IBM’s patent and trademark portfolios – protecting and licensing intellectual property worldwide.