The American Association of Patent Judges

BOARD MEMBERS

This page records members of the Board since the Act of Mar. 2, 1861 (12 Stat. 246-249) established a permanent board in the U.S. Patent Office.

P. J. (Pat) Federico published the first list of board members. See “The Board of Appeals, 1861–1961,” 43 J. Pat. Off. Soc’y 5 (1961). The list was passed on to various patent judges over the years who added to that list. This page was built from that list.

Patent judges are recorded in the order of their appointment date. They have been grouped first by the name of the Board to which they were appointed and then by the most recent statute/regulation impacting the Board that was in effect on their appointment date. Further information about the four boards and the indicated statutes/regulation that have impacted the Board can be found on our “Board History” page.

This page does not, however, provide a complete record of all the patent judges.  We do not, for example, list active judges. Also, we are confident of the individuals listed who were presidentially appointed (1861–1975) to the Board but less so of the individuals who were hired under various civil service classification regimes starting with the Act of Jan. 5, 1975 (88 Stat. 1956).

An alphabetical list of the Examiners-in-Chief (EICs) (1861–1993) and Administrative Patent Judges (APJs) (1993– ) that we have identified as having been members of the Board is provided via a drop-down below. Appointment dates appear beside each name, which are useful for finding the particular grouping a judge has been assigned to.

Before the Act of Mar. 2, 1927 (44 Stat. 1335–1337), the Board was composed exclusively of EICs. By that and subsequent Acts, Commissioners/Directors of the Office, and certain other high-ranking officers, have been included. We list the Commissioners/Directors who have been included as members of the Board by statute in a separate drop-down just below this one.

Our mission is to honor judges for their service in stewarding the patent provision in the Intellectual Property Clause of the United States Constitution. In line with that mission we research public documents for information about the Board and its judges and make every effort to ensure that the information we collect is accurate and that we communicate it fairly. 

Please visit this page often as it is frequently updated with new information.

The Act of March 2, 1927 (44 Stat. 1335–1337 (1927)) expanded the Board’s composition from solely examiners-in-chief so that:

“The Commissioner of Patents, the first assistant commissioner, the assistant commissioner, and the examiners in chief shall constitute a board of appeals .. .”

Subsequent statutes have reiterated that the heads of the Office are members of the Board, among whom have been the following:

Commissioner of Patents

Thomas E. Robertson (March 2, 1927 – June 25, 1933 (Commissioner since April 6, 1921))
Conway Peyton Coe (June 2, 1933 – June 15, 1945)
Caspar Ooms (July 29, 1945 – September 9, 1947)
Lawrence C. Kingsland (September 10, 1947 – December 1, 1949)
John A. Marzall (December 2, 1949 – February 1, 1953)
Robert C. Watson (February 18, 1953 to March 1, 1961)
David Lowell Ladd (April 17, 1961 – October 1, 1963)
Edward J. Brenner (March 11, 1964 – May 6, 1969)
William E. Schuyler, Jr. (May 7, 1969 – August 26, 1971)
Robert Gottschalk (January 7, 1972 – June 20, 1973)

Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks

C. Marshall Dann (1974-1977)
Lutrelle F. Parker, Sr. (Acting) (1977-1978; 1979)
Donald W. Banner (1978-1979)
Sidney A. Diamond (1979-1981)

Assistant Secretary of Commerce and Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks

Gerald J. Mossinghoff (1981-1985)
Donald J. Quigg (1985-1990)
Harry F. Manbeck, Jr. (1990-1992)
Bruce A. Lehman (1993-1998)

Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Q. Todd Dickinson (1998-2001)
Nicholas P. Godici (Acting) (2001)
James E. Rogan (2001-2004)
Jon Dudas (2004-2008)
John J. Doll (Acting) (2008-2009)
David Kappos (2009-2013)
Teresa Stanek Rea (Acting) (2013-2014)
Michelle K. Lee (2014-2017)
Joseph Matal (Acting) (2017-2018)
Andrei Iancu (2018-2021)
Drew Hirshfeld (Acting) (2021-2022)
Kathi Vidal (2022-2024)
Derrick Brent (Acting) (2024-2025)
Coke Morgan Stewart (Acting) (2025 – )

Patent-board (1790-1793)

Thomas Jefferson
Henry Knox
Edmund Randolph

Secretary of State

Edmund Randolph (1794-1795)
Timothy Pickering (1795-1800)
John Marshall (1800-1801)
James Madison (1801-1802)

Superintendent of Patents

William Thornton (1802-1828)
Thomas P. Jones (1828-1829)
John D. Craig (1829-1835)
James Chamberlayne Pickett (1835-1835)

Commissioner of Patents

Henry L. Ellsworth (1835-1845)
Edmund Burke (1845-1849)
Thomas Ewbank (1849-1852)
Silas H. Hodges (1852-1853)
Charles Mason (1853-1857)
Joseph Holt (1857-1859)
William Darius Bishop (1859-1860)
Philip F. Thomas (1860-1860)
David P. Holloway (1861-1865)
Thomas Clarke Theaker (1865-1868)
Elisha Foote (1868-1869)
Samuel S. Fisher (1869-1870)
Mortimer D. Leggett (1871-1874)
John M. Thacher (1874-1875)
Robert Holland Duell (1875-1877)
Ellis Spear (1877-1878)
Halbert Eleazer Paine (1878-1880)
Edgar M. Marble (1880-1883)
Benjamin Butterworth (1883-1885)
Martin Van Buren Montgomery (1885-1887)
Benton Jay Hall (1887-1889)
Charles Elliott Mitchell (1889-1891)
William E. Simonds (1891-1892)
John S. Seymour (1893-1897)
Benjamin Butterworth (1897-1898)
Charles Holland Duell (1898-1901)
Frederick Innes Allen (1901-1907)
Edward Bruce Moore (1907-1913)
Thomas Ewing (1913-1917)
James T. Newton (1917-1920)
Robert Frederick Whitehead (1920-1921)
Melvin H. Coulston (1921-1921)
Thomas E. Robertson (1921-1927)

– A –

Neal E. Abrams (Feb. 15, 1987;  Dec. 30, 2004)

Don D. Andrews (May 22, 1967)

Nogi A. Asp (July 29, 1953)

– B –

Jennifer Bahr (Apr. 26, 1999)

Malcolm F. Bailey (Dec. 4, 1958)

Lee E. Barrett (May 1, 1994; Oct. 20, 2014)

Lance Leonard Barry (Apr. 26, 1999)

Michael M. Barry (Aug. 24, 2015)

Henry H. Bates (May 1, 1877)

Fairfax Bayard (May 6, 1910)

Arthur H. Behrens (Aug. 12, 1965)

Rodney D. Bennett (Sep. 22, 1971)

Richard G. Besha (Jan. 26, 1983)

Cornelius C. Billings (Apr. 15, 1907)

Gerald H. Bjorge (June 26, 1983)

Howard B. Blankenship (Mar. 26, 2000)

Samuel Blech (Oct. 1, 1979)

James R. Boler (Feb. 8, 1985)

Irving Branch (Oct. 12, 2012)

James L. Brewrink (Dec. 4, 1958)

John H. Brickenstein (June 3, 1896)

Beverly M. Bunting (Dec. 17, 2012)

Walter W. Burns, Jr. (Dec. 4, 1973)

– C –

Andrew Caldwell (Feb. 2, 2012)

Ian A. Calvert (Feb. 8, 1985)

Levin H. Campbell (May 16, 1907)

Rodger L. Campbell (Nov. 4, 1973)

Raymond F. Cardillo, Jr. (Aug. 28, 1988)

James T. Carmichael (Oct. 28, 1996)

Marc L. Caroff (Oct. 13, 1985)

Byron H. Carpenter (July 29, 1953)

Jennifer Meyer Chagnon (Sep. 23, 2013)

Joni Y. Chang (Apr. 24, 2011)

Peter P. Chen (Aug. 12, 2013)

Robert Clarke (Apr. 24, 2011)

Rufus L.B. Clarke (Apr. 23, 1869)

Matthew R. Clements (Mar. 25, 2013)

James W. Clift (Aug. 19, 1930)

Irwin Charles Cohen (Apr. 14, 1985)

John M. Coit (Mar. 2, 1906)

Joseph J. Coombs (May 8, 1861)

Jerry D. Craig (Jan. 27, 1980)

Arthur W. Crocker (June 12, 1951)

– D –

Romulo H. Delmendo (Mar. 27, 2000)

Andrew J. Dillon (June 5, 2011)

Mary F. Downey (May 25, 1986)

Peter T. Dracopoulos (Aug. 23, 1957)

Charles S. Duncombe (Sep. 7, 1951)

Robert G. Dyrenforth (June 16, 1880)

– E –

Frank P. Edinburg (May 13, 1930)

Joan Ellis (Apr. 1, 1995)

Rama G. Elluru (June 4, 2012)

Stephen J. Emery (July 6, 1986)

– F –

Pasquale J. Federico (Apr. 1, 1947)

Samuel C. Fessenden (Nov. 23, 1865)

William (“Tim”) A. Fink (June 16, 2014)

Robert J. Fisher, Jr. (Mar. 5, 1883)

Daniel N. Fishman (Jan. 14, 2013)

Michael R. Fleming (May 1, 1994)

Adam V. Floyd (Oct. 12, 2012)

Elisha Foote (Aug. 1, 1865)

Donald D. Forrer (Feb. 8, 1985)

Samuel E. Fouts (July 1, 1916)

Charles E. Frankfort (Oct. 25, 1987)

Hyman B. Freehof (July 19, 1960)

Melvin H. Friedman (June 4, 1954)

– G –

Bradley R. Garris (Aug., 2, 1987; Jan. 11, 2017)

Linda M. Gaudette (Nov. 5, 2001)

Mark A. Geier (Jan. 26, 2015)

Eugene W. Geniesse (Apr. 1, 1947)

Melvin Goldstein (July 29, 1979)

Gregory J. Gonsalves (Apr. 24, 2011)

John F. Gonzales (Jan. 3, 1999)

Timothy J. Goodson (May 19, 2014)

John T. Goolkasian (June 26, 1983)

George A. Gorecki (June 5, 1967)

Arthur Philip Greeley (Apr. 1, 1895)

Lora Green (Dec. 3, 2001)

Teddy S. Gron (May 1, 1994)

Anita Pellman Gross (Jan. 3, 1999)

– H –

Thomas H. Hahn (Aug. 3, 2008)

Kenneth W. Hairston (Sep. 13, 1987)

George Harding (Mar. 25, 1861)

Gary V. Harkcom (May 1, 1994)

Jacqueline T. Harlow (Jan. 26, 2015)

Stuart N. Hecker (Jan. 3, 1999)

Paul Joseph Henon, Jr. (Aug. 10, 1974)

Edwin S. Henry (Oct. 6, 1917)

Silas Henry Hodges (Apr. 5, 1861)

Michael L. Hoelter (Apr. 24, 2011)

Philip J. Hoffmann (Sep. 13, 2012)

Thomas J. Holko (Feb. 1, 1987)

Marcus D. Hopkins (Nov. 1, 1874)

– I –

George Russell Ide (Feb. 2, 1926)

– J –

Harold H. Jacobs (Mar. 23, 1945)

Benjamin F. James (Aug. 5, 1868)

Trevor M. Jefferson (Mar. 13, 2012)

Kamran Jivani (Mar. 23, 2015)

– K –

Jessica C. Kaiser (Nov. 17, 2014)

Scott E. Kamholz (July 30, 2012)

Murray Katz (Jan. 1, 1982)

James E. Keely (Dec. 4, 1958)

Michael J. Keenan (Jun. 26, 1983)

Nathan K. Kelley (Jun. 29, 2015)

John C. Kerins (Oct. 1, 2007)

Bradford Kile (July 16, 2012)

Edward C. Kimlin (July 6, 1986)

Gordon D. Kinder (Jan. 11, 2015)

Ernest F. Klinge (Oct. 10, 1942)

Anthony Knight (Jan. 18, 2017)

Errol A. Krass (Oct. 25, 1987)

Peter F. Kratz (Jan. 3, 1999)

Louis Francis Kreek, Jr. (Nov. 23, 1955)

Carla M. Krivak (Oct. 15, 2007)

– L –

Parshotam S. Lall (Jan. 3, 1999)

Eugene Landers (May 2, 1927)

Sally Gardner Lane (July 2, 2000)

Elizabeth A. LaVier (July 14, 2014)

Richard B. Lazarus (July 2, 2000)

John J. Lee (Jan. 27, 2014)

John P. Lentivech (Nov. 17, 2014)

Stuart S. Levy (Mar. 27, 2000)

Herbert J. Lidoff (June 10, 1963)

John S. Lieb (Sep. 7, 1971)

Paul Lieberman (Jan. 3, 1999)

Nancy J. Linck (May 15, 2006)

William F. Lindquist (June 26, 1983)

Charles N. Lovell (June 26, 1983)

Jay P. Lucas (Oct. 15, 2006)

William E. Lyddane (July 6, 1986)

Thomas E. Lynch (May 25, 1986)

Gregory R. Lyons (Apr. 18, 2016)

– M –

John B. Macauley (June 1, 1907)

Herbert Magil (Oct. 1, 1959)

Phillip E. Mangan (Oct. 15, 1965)

Joseph C. Manian (Dec. 4, 1958)

Edgar M. Marble (Feb. 23, 1877)

Richard E. Marine (Aug. 27, 1917)

John C. Martin (May 21, 1989; May 7, 2012)

Fred Conrad Mattern, Jr. (Oct. 14, 1970)

Harrison E. McCandlish (June 10, 1984; Sep. 24, 2000)

Leo Patrick McCann (Jan. 25, 1946)

Linzy T. McCartney (Jan. 27, 2014)

Melanie L. McCollum (Sep. 30, 2007)

Anthony McFarlane (Mar. 2, 1996)

Frederick E. McKelvey (June 26, 1983; May 1, 1994)

John P. McQuade (Aug. 28, 1988)

Sally C. Medley (July 2, 2000)

James M. Meister (Feb. 1, 1987)

Evelyn K. Merker (Nov. 2, 1974)

Edward J. Meros (Mar. 2, 1986)

A Donald Messenheimer (Sep. 7, 1975)

Andrew H. Metz (July 19, 1987; Feb. 13, 2012)

Gordon K. Milestone (Nov. 2, 1974)

Demetra J. Mills (Apr. 24, 2000)

Bryan F. Moore (Mar. 1, 2012)

James T. Moore (Nov. 5, 2001)

Elonzo T. Morgan (May 13, 1930)

John W. Morrison (May 21, 2012)

– N –

Mark Nagumo (Nov. 18, 2001)

Jeffrey V. Nase (Sep. 1, 1996)

James T. Newton (July 1, 1916)

Ruth H. Newtson (Apr. 14, 1985)

George A. Nolen (Mar. 17, 1875)

Mark E. Nusbaum (June 26, 1983)

– O –

Timothy O’Hearn (Sep. 24, 2012)

Michael W. O’Neill (Sep. 30, 2007)

– P –

Chung Ki Pak (Oct. 1, 1994)

Lutrelle F. Parker Sr. (June 10, 1970)

Marion Parsons, Jr. (Apr. 14, 1985)

William F. Pate, III (Oct. 25, 1987)

Irving L. Pellman (June 26, 1983)

Verlin R. Pendegrass (June 26, 1983)

Glenn J. Perry (Mar. 1, 2012)

Lynne E. Pettigrew (Sep. 24, 2012)

Paul P. Pierce (May 13, 1930)

John P. Pinkerton (May 19, 2014)

Floyd J. Porter (June 6, 1936)

Francisco C. Prats (Sep. 30, 2007)

– R –

Walter L. Redrow (June 25, 1928)

Vernon I. Richard (Oct. 10, 1942)

Richard E. Rice (July 16, 2012)

Douglas W. Robinson (Jan. 3, 1999)

George C. Roeming (June 6, 1968)

Otto B. Roepke (Jan. 25, 1946)

Alton D. Rollins (May 25, 1986)

Manuel C. Rosa (July 17, 1963)

Gene Z. Rubinson (July 19, 1987)

Joseph F. Ruggiero (Jan. 3, 1999)

Webster S. Ruckman (June 25, 1924)

David P. Ruschke (May 23, 2016)

Eugene C. Rzucidlo (June 26, 1983)

– S –

Richard E. Schafer (May 1, 1994)

Toni R. Scheiner (Mar. 26, 2000)

John H. Schneider (Jan. 1, 1970)

James A. Seidleck (June 26, 1983)

Saul I. Serota (Oct. 14, 1970)

Charles H. Shaffer (Dec. 1, 1935)

Fred A. Silverberg (Sep. 2, 2008)

Stephen C. Siu (Oct. 1, 2007)

Frank C. Skinner (Jan. 3, 1909)

William A. Skinner (Oct. 13, 1987)

Thomas F. Smegal (Feb. 25, 2013)

James Donald Smith (May 8, 2011)

Jerry Smith (May 1, 1994)

John Douglas Smith (July 19, 1987)

Neil Smith (Dec. 3, 2012)

Richard J. Smith (Aug. 24, 2015)

Ronald H. Smith (Feb. 8, 1985)

Sidney F. Smith (May 24, 1921)

William F. Smith (May 25, 1986)

Michael Sofocleous (Oct. 13, 1985)

Gay Ann Spahn (Apr. 24, 2011)

Ellis Spear (June 10, 1872)

Richard A. Spencer, Jr. (Mar. 23, 1975)

Carol A. Spiegel (Jan. 1, 1999)

Monté T. Squire (Nov. 16, 2015)

Lawrence J. Staab (Aug. 28, 1988)

Robert F. Stahl, Sr. (Jan. 27, 1980)

Arthur J. Steiner (June 26, 1983)

Jeffrey A. Stephens (June 16, 2014)

Thomas G. Steward (June 1, 1897)

David L. Stewart (June 26, 1983)

Virgil D. Stockbridge (Sep. 1, 1875)

Solon W. Stocking (Apr. 20, 1889)

Isaac G. Stone (Apr. 21, 1967)

Bruce H. Stoner, Jr. (May 25, 1986)

Frederick M. Strader (Nov. 20, 1966

Brereton Sturtevant (Aug. 24, 1971)

Harry Surle (Aug. 23, 1957)

– T –

Henry W. Tarring, II (Oct. 13, 1985)

Mark Taylor (Oct. 17, 1944)

John Marshall Thacher (July 24, 1870)

Thomas Clark Theaker (Apr. 1, 1861)

Ernest G. Therkorn (Jan. 3, 1999)

Joan V. Thierstein (Mar. 2, 1996)

James D. Thomas (Oct. 26, 1986)

William L. Thurber (Mar. 11, 1929)

Norman G. Torchin (Feb. 8, 1985)

Richard Torczon (Oct. 28, 1996)

Vincent D. Turner (Apr. 14, 1985)

– U –

Stanley M. Urynowicz, Jr. (Feb. 8, 1985)

– V –

Remy Joseph VanOphem (May 21, 2012)

Ralph Eugene Varndell, Jr. (Apr. 14, 2008)

– W –

David B. Walker (Apr. 16, 2007)

Stephen G. Walsh (Oct. 27, 2008)

Thomas A. Waltz (Sep. 1, 1996)

Trenton A. Ward (Sep. 10, 2012)

Charles F. Warren (Mar. 19, 1995)

Scott C. Weidenfeller (Mar. 5, 2017)

Cameron K. Weiffenbach (May 1, 1994)

Elizabeth C. Weimar (Mar. 2, 1996)

Stanley M. Weinberg (Feb. 13, 2012

David J. Williamowsky (Aug. 20, 1975)

Bruce Winsor (Apr. 25, 2011)

Sherman D. Winters (June 26, 1983)

Thomas G. Wiseman (Mar. 2, 1990)

John F. Witherspoon (May 3, 1971)

Samuel Wolffe (Apr. 1, 1947)

Thomas C. Woodward (Apr. 24, 1875)

– Y –

Alex S. Yap (Apr. 18, 2016)

Mark Taylor, Chairman (1953-1957)

Leo Patrick McCann, Chairman (1958-1965)

Nogi Asp, Chairman (1965-1970)

George C. Roeming, Chairman (1970-1974)

Fred Mattern, Chairman (1975-1985)

Saul Serota, Chairman (1986-1994)

Ian A. Calvert, Vice Chairman (1987-1995) [formerly Chairman of the Board of Interferences]

Frederick McKelvey, Chief (1994-1995)

Richard E. Schafer, Vice Chief (1994-1995)

Bruce Stoner, Chief (1995-2003), Vice Chief (1995)

Gary Harkcom, Acting Chief (2003-2004), Vice Chief (1994-2008)

Michael Fleming, Chief (2004-2010)

Allen R. MacDonald, Acting Vice Chief (2008; 2009-2010)

James T. Moore, Acting Chief (2010-2011), Deputy Chief (2012-2014), Vice Chief (2008-2010; 2011-2013)

James D. Smith, Chief (2011-2015)

Glenn J. Perry, Acting Vice Chief (2013)

Linda E. Horner, Acting Vice Chief (2013-2014)

Barbara A. Benoit, Acting Vice Chief (2014-2015)

Miriam L. Quinn, Acting Vice Chief (2014-2015)

Nathan Kelly, Acting Chief (2015-2016), Deputy Chief (2015-2016)

David Ruschke, Chief (2016-2018)

Grace Karaffa Obermann, Vice Chief (2016-2017)

Janet A. Gongola, Vice Chief (2016-present)

William M. Fink, Vice Chief (2017-2020)

Michael P. Tierney, Vice Chief (2017-present)

Scott C. Weidenfeller, Vice Chief (2017-2021)

Georgianna W. Braden, Acting Vice Chief (2017)

Melissa A. Haapala, Acting Vice Chief (2018-2019; 2021-present)

Michelle Nerozzi-Ankenbrand, Acting Vice Chief (2019)

Scott Boalick, Chief (2019-present), Acting Chief (2018-2019), Deputy Chief (2016-2018), Acting Deputy Chief (2014-2015), Vice Chief (2014-2016), Acting Vice Chief (2013-2014)

Jackie Bonilla, Deputy Chief (2019-present), Acting Deputy Chief (2018-2019), Vice Chief (2016-2018)

Michael W. Kim, Vice Chief (2020-present), Acting Vice Chief (2019-2020)

Kalyan K. Deshpande, Vice Chief (2022-present), Acting Vice Chief (2017)

In Memoriam

Board of Examiners-In-Chief

George Harding
Nominated March 25, 1861 (declined)

Appointed by: Abraham Lincoln

Papers: Nomination | Executive Commission

In office: declined (nominated March 25, 1861)

Previous position: patent attorney, represented Samuel F. Morse (1854) and Cyrus H. McCormick (1855)

Subsequent position: patent attorney, retired in 1897

Born: 1827-10-26, Philadelphia  |  Died: 1902-11-17, NYC (buried St. James the Less Episcopal Church)

Photo credit: LCCN 90713435, photo taken in 1893

Thomas Clarke Theaker
April 1, 1861 - August 16, 1865

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed by: Abraham Lincoln

Papers: Nomination | Executive Commission

In office: April 1, 1861 – August 16, 1865

Previous position: Republican Representative of Ohio (17th) (December 5, 1859 – March 3, 1861); unsuccessful reelection (1860)

Subsequent positions: 10th Commissioner of Patents (August 17, 1865 – January 20, 1868), patent attorney

Born: 1812-02-01, York, PA |  Died: 1883-07-16, Oakland, MD (buried Weeks Cemetery, Bridgeport, OH)

Photo credit: LCCN 2017895985, photo taken between 1855-1865

Read more: Congress.gov

Silas Henry Hodges
April 5, 1861 - April 20, 1875

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed by: Abraham Lincoln

Papers: Nomination | Executive Commission 

In office: April 5, 1861 – April 20, 1875

Previous position: 4th Commissioner of Patents (1852 – Filmore administration).

Publication: Hodges, Silas Henry, “Priority of Invention,” The American Law Register, October 1872. See University of Pennsylvania Law Review.

Joseph Jackson Coombs
August 6, 1861 – January 1, 1865

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed by: Abraham Lincoln

Papers: Nomination (recess appointment) | Executive Commission (4 year term) | Letters of Recommendation for Appointment as District Attorney for D. C. (April 1861)

In office: August 6, 1861 – January 1, 1865

Previous position: attorney

Subsequent position: patent attorney (with Thomas Clarke Theaker; source USPTO)

Publications: (a)  Speech of J. J. Coombs, Esq., Delivered at the Union League Reading Room, Washington D.C., Tuesday Evening, September 1, 1863; (b) J. J. Coombs, “The Trial of  Aaron Burr for High Treason, in the Circuit Court of the United Sates for the District of Virginia,” W.H. & O. Morrison Publishers, 1864; (c) J. J. Coombs, “District Affairs” (ISBN 1332083153)

Elisha Foote
August 1, 1865 - July 28, 1868

Appointed by: Andrew Johnson

In office: August 1, 1865 – July 28, 1868

Previous position: patent attorney

Subsequent position: 11th Commissioner of Patents (July 29, 1868 – April 25, 1869)

Samuel C. Fessenden
November 23, 1865 - July 23, 1870

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed by: Andrew Johnson

In office: November 23, 1865 – July 23, 1870

Previous position: U.S. Congressman from Maine

Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons; photo taken circ. 1868

Benjamin F. James
April 5, 1868 - April 20, 1875

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed by: Andrew Johnson

In office: April 5, 1868 – April 20, 1875

Previous position:  Primary Examiner (Engineering Class)

Rufus L.B. Clarke
April 23, 1869 to March 31, 1895

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

 Appointed by: Ulysses S. Grant

In office: April 23, 1869 to March 31, 1895

Previous position: Law Clerk in the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, US Treasury

Photo credit: The Iowa Legislature (link) (NB The biography attached to this photo is of a different Rufus L. Clarke).

Publication: Protest on Removal from Patent Office (1895)

John Marshall Thacher
July 24, 1870 - June 5, 1872

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed by: Ulysses S. Grant

In office: July 24, 1870 – June 5, 1872

Previous positions: Principal Examiner, Captain [13th Vermont Volunteers]

Subsequent positions: Assistant Commissioner of Patents; 14th Commissioner of Patents (November 4, 1874 – October 1, 1875); Coburn and Thacher attorneys-at-law (Illinois)

Born: July 1, 1836,  Barre, VT |  Died: February 24, 1897, Woodstock, VT (buried Prosper Cemetery)

Photo credit: LCCN 2016711188, photo taken between 1873-1897

Ellis Spear
June 10, 1872 - October 31, 1874

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed by: Ulysses S. Grant

In office: June 10, 1872 – October 31, 1874

Previous position: Principal Examiner

Subsequent position: Patent Attorney; 16th Commissioner of Patents (January 30, 1877 – 1878); Assistant Commissioner of Patents (appointed October 6, 1874) 

Born: October 15, 1834, Warren, ME

Educated: Bowdoin College

Died: April 3, 1917, St. Petersburg, FL (buried Arlington National Cemetery (Colonel 20th Maine Infantry (Fredericksburg / Gettysburg / Appomattox), brevetted Brigadier General, U.S. Volunteers; Sec: 2, Site: 4699))

Also: Helps found the Patent Law Association of Washington (December 29, 1896), precursor to present-day American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA); Vice President of Washington Loan & Trust Company and Equitable Building Association

1st photo: LCCN 2017893398, photo taken between 1870-1880

2nd photo (1907) courtesy American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA), approved July 2022.

Marcus D. Hopkins
November 1, 1874 - March 1, 1875

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed by: Ulysses S. Grant

In office: November 1, 1874 – March 1, 1875

Previous position: Principal Examiner 

George A. Nolen
March 17, 1875 - August 17, 1875

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed by: Ulysses S. Grant

In office: March 17, 1875 – August 17, 1875

Previous positions: First Assistant Examiner (3 years); Examiner (appointed May 1869); Tutor in Mathematics, Yale College (~1860-3) (link)

Education: Yale College (B.A.), 1857, Commencement Orator; Yale College Senior Mathematical Prize, 1st Prize, 1857 (link)

Thomas C. Woodward
April 24, 1875 - February 1, 1877

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed by: Ulysses S. Grant

In office: April 24, 1875 – February 1, 1877

Previous position: Examiner

Virgil Demetrius Stockbridge
September 1, 1875 – June 15, 1880

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed by: Ulysses S. Grant

In office: September 1, 1875 – June 15, 1880

Previous position: Examiner (fire arms)

Publications: “Digest of Patents relating to breech-loading and magazine small arms, (except revolvers) granted in the United States from 1836 to 1873, inclusive.” Quarto, Washington 1874.

Edgar Martin Marble
February 23, 1877 - April 3, 1877

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed by: Ulysses S. Grant

In office: February 23, 1877 – April 3, 1877

Previous position: Assistant Attorney-General (assigned to the Interior Department) 

Subsequent position: 18th Commissioner of Patents (May 7, 1880 – 1883)

Born: November 13, 1838, NY  |  Died: December 24, 1908, DC (buried Arlington National Cemetery (1st Lieutenant and Adjutant, 3d Michigan Infantry; Sec: 3, Site: 2160))

Read more: Washington Law Reporter, Vol. VIII, p. 289 (May 10, 1880) [Google Books]

Photo (1907) courtesy American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA), approved July 2022.

Henry H. Bates
May 1, 1877 - March 31, 1895

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed by: Rutherford B. Hayes

In office: May 1, 1877 – March 31, 1895

Previous position: Interference Examiner (1877); appointed  examiner on Nov. 1, 1868

Publications: “Discontinuities in Nature’s Methods,” The American Anthropologist, III, 51-55, April, 1888.

Photo credit: LCCN 2016691956, photo taken between Jan. 1891 and Jan. 1894

Robert St. George Dyrenforth
June 16, 1880 - March 2, 1883

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed by: Rutherford B. Hayes

In office: June 16, 1880 – March 2, 1883

Previous position: Examiner; First Assistant Examiner (1877) (chemistry); appointed examiner May 1, 1871

Photo and biography credit: American  Biography, A New Cyclopedia, Volume IV, The American Historical Society, Inc., 1918, pp. 334-5 [Google Books]

Read more:

The Washington Times, July 10, 1910, Sunday Evening Edition, “Family To Contest Rainmaker’s Will,” pages 1 and 8 (Library of Congress, Chronicling America).

Robert J. Fisher, Jr.
March 5, 1883 - April 3, 1889

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed by: Chester A. Arthur

In office: March 5, 1883 – April 3, 1889

Previous position: Examiner; Third Assistant Examiner (harvesters and mills) (1877); appointed examiner Dec. 21, 1875; Attorney, Chicago (1869)

Subsequent position: Assistant Commissioner of Patents (1890)

Born: 1848, York, Pa.

Also: President of Patent Law Association of Washington (1906-1908)

Photo (1907) courtesy American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA), approved July 2022.

Solon W. Stocking
April 20, 1889 – February 8, 1906

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed by: Benjamin Harrison

In office: April 20, 1889 – February 8, 1906

Previous position: Principal Examiner; Examiner (metal working) (1877); appointed examiner July 8, 1873.

 

Publication (and photo credit): “Statistical atlas of the United States based on the results of the ninth census 1870 with contributions from many eminent men of science and several departments of the government”; United States. Census Office. 9th census, 1870.; Walker, Francis Amasa; J. Bien, lith, [New York], 1874; pages 38-46: S.W. Stocking, United States Patent Office, “Areas and Political Divisions of the United States 1776-1874” and “Map Showing Acquisition of Territory and Its Distribution AmongPolitical Divisions, 1776-1874” (Panel XV); Library of Congress (Control Number = 05019329)

Arthur Philip Greeley
April 1, 1895 - June 1, 1897

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed by: Grover Cleveland (2nd administration)

In office: April 1, 1895 – June 1, 1897

Previous position: Principal Examiner (1891-5); Assistant Examiner (1884)

Subsequent position: Assistant Commissioner of Patents (1897-1900)

Education: Dartmouth College (A.B., Commencement Orator, 1883); The Law School of the Columbian University (now George Washington University) LL.B., 1886)

Publications: (a) “Foreign Patent and Trademark Laws: A Comparative Study With Tabular Statements of Essential Features of Such Laws, Together With the Text of the International Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property Concluded at Paris, March 20, 1883,” by Arthur P. Greeley, Assistant Commissioner of Patents, Member of Commission to Revise Patent and Trademark Laws of the United States appointed under the Act of Congress approved June 4, 1898, Member of American Bar Association, John Byrne & Company, Law Book Publishers, Washington D.C., 1899 (Google Books); (b) “The Food and Drugs Act – A study with text, annotated, the rules and regulations for the enforcement of the act, food inspection decisions and official food standards,” by Arthur P. Greeley of the Patent Law Association of Washington; Member of Commission to Revise the Patent and Trademark Laws; Formerly Assistant Commissioner of Patents, John Byrne & Company, Law Book Publishers, Washington D.C., 1907 (Google Books).

Also: President of Patent Law Association of Washington (1908-1909)

Photo (1907) courtesy American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA), approved July 2022.

John H. Brickenstein
June 3, 1896 - May 15, 1907

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed by: Grover Cleveland (2nd administration)

In office: June 3, 1896 – May 15, 1907

Previous position: Principal Examiner (metallurgy and electricity)

Subsequent position: patent lawyer (Byrnes, Townsend & Brickenstein)

Also: President of American Patent Law Association (1914-1915)

Publication: “Memorandum: In the matter of the Confirmation of J.H. Brickenstein as Examiner-in-Chief in the U. S. Patent Office” (1896).

Thomas G. Seward
June 1, 1897 - July 31, 1917

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed by: William McKinley

In office: June 1, 1897 – July 31, 1917

Previous position: Principal Examiner (calorifics)

John M. Coit
March 2, 1906 - April 1, 1907

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed by: Theodore Roosevelt

In office: March 2, 1906 – April 1, 1907

Previous positions: Law Clerk (1903); 4th Assistant Examiner (1893)

Cornelius C. Billings
April 15, 1907 - June 1, 1907

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed by: Theodore Roosevelt

In office: April 15, 1907 – June 1, 1907

Previous position: Interference  Examiner (1906); Law Clerk (1903)

Subsequent position: First Assistant Commissioner of Patents (1910)

Levin H. Campbell
May 16, 1907 - January 2, 1909

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed by: Theodore Roosevelt

In office: May 16, 1907 – January 2, 1909

Previous position: Principal Examiner (electricity)

John B. Macauley
June 1, 1907 - April 30, 1910

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed by: Theodore Roosevelt

In office: June 1, 1907 – April 30, 1910

Previous position: Principal Examiner (metallurgy)

Subsequent position: patent lawyer (Rector, Hibben, Davis & Macauley (Chicago))

Frank C. Skinner
January 3, 1909 - March 31, 1933

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed by: Theodore Roosevelt

In office: January 3, 1909 – March 31, 1933

Previous position: Principal Examiner (harvesters; classification)

Fairfax Bayard
May 6, 1910 - December 25, 1920

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed by: William Howard Taft

In office: May 6, 1910 – December 25, 1920

Previous positions:  Interference examiner; First assistant examiner

James T. Newton
July 1, 1916 - August 27, 1917

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed by: Woodrow Wilson

In office: July 1, 1916 – August 27, 1917

Previous position: First Assistant Commissioner of Patents (1916); Principal Examiner (acoustics, horology, recorders; instruments of precision)

Subsequent position: 30th Commissioner of Patents (1917 – 1920

Photo credit: LCCN 2016856153, photo taken between 1905 and 1945

Samuel E. Fouts
July 1, 1916 - January 15, 1926

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed by: Woodrow Wilson

In office: July 1, 1916 – January 15, 1926

Previous positions: Second Assistant Examiner (1916); reinstated as an assistant examiner by Executive Order (EO 1670), signed by President William H. Taft (link) (Dec. 30, 1912); patent lawyer (Bates, Fouts & Hull (Cleveland)) (1899-1912); Examiner (1894-1899)

Education: Purdue University (Engineering), 1888-1892; The Law School of the Columbian University (now George Washington University) (Law, 1895-6); admitted to bar, 1896

Born: December 13, 1866, West Point, Indiana

Photo and biography credit: “Progressive Men of Northern Ohio,” Plain Dealer Publishing Co., Cleveland, 1907, page 72 (link).

Richard E. Marine
August 27, 1917 - May 26, 1924

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed by: Woodrow Wilson

In office: August 27, 1917 – May 26, 1924

Previous position: Principal Examiner

Edward S. Henry
October 6, 1917 - March 4, 1929

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed by: Woodrow Wilson

In office: October 6, 1917 – March 4, 1929

Previous position: Principal Examiner (paper manufactures, printing, type-bar machines; typewriting; linotype machines

Photo credit: LCCN 2016694939, photo taken between Dec. 1903 – March 1905

Sidney F. Smith
May 24, 1921 - February 29, 1928

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed by: Warren G. Harding

In office: May 24, 1921 – February 29, 1928

Previous position:  Principal Examiner (div 37: electricity, lighting, general application)

Photo credit: LCCN 2016861380, photo taken between 1905 and 1945

Webster S. Ruckman
June 25, 1924 - November 30, 1935

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed by: Calvin Coolidge

In office: June 25, 1924 – November 30, 1935

Previous positions:  Examiner of Interferences (patents); Principal Examiner (div 37: electricity, lighting, general application)

George Russell Ide
February 2, 1926 - July 31, 1930

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed by: Calvin Coolidge

In office: February 2, 1926 – July 31, 1930

Previous position:  Principal Examiner (div. 38: animal husbandry, mining and quarrying, wells, stone working)

Board of Appeals

Eugene Landers
May 2, 1927 - March 31, 1942

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed by: Calvin Coolidge

Nomination confirmed by the Senate: December 19, 1927

In office: May 2, 1927 – March 31, 1942

Previous position: Law Examiner (1926); Principal Examiner

Walter Leffingwell Redrow
June 25, 1928 - March 31, 1947

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed by: Calvin Coolidge

Nomination confirmed by the Senate: December 10, 1928

In office: June 25, 1928 – March 31, 1947

Previous position:  Principal Examiner (div. 15: glass, paper making, plastics, plastic block apparatus)

Photo (~1935) courtesy American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA), approved July 2022.

William L. Thurber
March 11, 1929 - February 28, 1942

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed by: Herbert Hoover

Nomination confirmed by the Senate: May 3, 1929

In office: March 11, 1929 – February 28, 1942

Previous position: Principal Examiner (div 21: cloth finishing, textiles, winding and reeling)

Paul P. Pierce
May 13, 1930 - February 28, 1942

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed by: Herbert Hoover

In office: May 13, 1930 – February 28, 1942

Previous position:  Principal Examiner (div. 12: machine elements)

Photo (~1935) courtesy American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA), approved July 2022.

Frank P. Edinburg
May 13, 1930 - October 31, 1942

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed by: Herbert Hoover

In office: May 13, 1930 – October 31, 1942

Previous position:  Principal Examiner (div. 52: supports, joint packing, pipe and rod joints or couplings, chucks, and tool handle fastenings)

Education: Bachelor/Master of (patent) Laws from National Univ. (GW) (1913-06-08)

Photo (~1935) courtesy American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA), approved July 2022.

Elonzo T. Morgan
May 13, 1930 - August 31, 1945

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed by: Herbert Hoover

In office: May 13, 1930 – August 31, 1945

Previous position:  Principal Examiner (div. 52: supports, joint packing, pipe and rod joints or couplings, chucks, and tool handle fastenings)

Photo (~1935) courtesy American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA), approved July 2022.

James W. Clift
August 19, 1930 - January 20, 1944

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed by: Herbert Hoover

In office: August 19, 1930 – January 20, 1944

Previous position:  Principal Examiner (div. 49: check-controlled devices, driers, domestic cooking vessels, fuel, liquid purification, velocipedes)

1st photo (~1935) courtesy American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA), approved July 2022.

2nd photo taken 1903 (LOC 2016704636).

Charles H. Shaffer
December 1, 1935 - March 31, 1947

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed by: Franklin D. Roosevelt

In office: December 1, 1935 – March 31, 1947

Previous position: Principal Examiner

Floyd J. Porter
June 6, 1936 - May 31, 1951

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed by: Franklin D. Roosevelt

In office: June 6, 1936 – May 31, 1951

Previous position: Principal Examiner

Ernest F. Klinge
October 10, 1942 - April 8, 1951

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed by: Franklin D. Roosevelt

Nomination confirmed by the Senate: October 9, 1942

In office: October 10, 1942 – April 8, 1951

Previous positions:  Supervisor; Principal Examiner (div. 43: dentistry, medicines, surgery, artificial limbs, baths and closets, sewerage)

Title: Assistant Commissioner (in charge of hearing and deciding appeals in Patent Office trademark proceedings)

Appointed by: Harry S. Truman

In office: April 8, 1951 – May 4, 1952 (died in office; 62 years old)

42 Trade-Mark Reporter 420 (1952): “… Mr. Klinge has made an outstanding contribution to the progress of trade-mark law and particularly to the interpretation of the Trade-Mark Act of 1946.”

Photo (~1935) courtesy American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA), approved July 2022.

Vernon I. Richard
October 10, 1942 - January 31, 1953

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed by: Franklin D. Roosevelt

Nomination confirmed by the Senate: October 9, 1942

In office: October 10, 1942 – January 31, 1953

Previous position: Supervisor; Principal Examiner

Mark Taylor
October 17, 1944 - May 31, 1957

Title: Chairman; Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed by: Franklin D. Roosevelt

In office: October 17, 1944 – May 31, 1957; Chairman of the Board (1953-1957)

Previous position: Supervisor; Principal Examiner (div. 46: fluid sprinkling, fire extinguishing, liquid vaporizers, concentrators)

Photo (~1935) courtesy American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA), approved July 2022.

Harold H. Jacobs
March 23, 1945 - December 31, 1952

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed by: Franklin D. Roosevelt

In office: March 23, 1945 – December 31, 1952

Previous position: Principal Examiner

Leo Patrick McCann
January 25, 1946 - January 1, 1965

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed by: Franklin D. Roosevelt

In office: March 23, 1945 – December 31, 1952

Previous position: Principal Examiner

Otto B. Roepke
January 25, 1946 - January 31, 1947

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed by: Harry S. Truman

Nomination confirmed by the Senate: December 21, 1945

In office: January 25, 1946 – January 31, 1947

Previous position:  Principal Examiner (div. 48: electricity, conductors, general applications)

Pasquale J. Federico
April 1, 1947 - May 18, 1970

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed by: Harry S. Truman

Nomination confirmed by the Senate: February 26, 1947

In office: April 1, 1947 – May 18, 1970

Photo (1940) courtesy of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Society (22 JPOS 866-867).

Biography: see https://aapj.us/speaker-series/.

Eugene W. Geniesse
April 1, 1947 - April 30, 1957

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed by: Harry S. Truman

Nomination confirmed by the Senate: February 26, 1947

In office: April 1, 1947 – April 30, 1957

Previous position: Principal Examiner (div. 6)

Samuel Wolffe
April 1, 1947 - July 31, 1959

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed by: Harry S. Truman

Nomination confirmed by the Senate: February 26, 1947

In office: April 1, 1947 – July 31, 1959

Previous position: Principal Examiner

Arthur W. Crocker
June 12, 1951 - July 28, 1953

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed by: Harry S. Truman

In office: June 12, 1951 – July 28, 1953

Previous position: Supervisory Examiner (1948); Principal Examiner

Charles S. Duncombe
September 7, 1951 - January 1, 1964

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed by: Harry S. Truman

Nomination confirmed by the Senate: August 28, 1951

In office: September 7, 1951 – January 1, 1964

Previous position: Principal Examiner (div. 31: industrial chemistry)

Byron Harrison Carpenter
July 29, 1953 to September 2, 1955

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed by: Dwight D. Eisenhower

In office: July 29, 1953 to September 2, 1955

Previous positions:  Supervisory Patent Examiner (1950); Principal Examiner (div. 22: aeronautics, ammunition and guns, boats and ships)

Nogi A. Asp
July 29, 1953 - May 1, 1970

Title: Chairman; Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed by: Dwight D. Eisenhower

In office: July 29, 1953 – May 1, 1970

Previous position: Principal Examiner

Melvin H. Friedman
June 4, 1954 - January 1, 1966

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed by: Dwight D. Eisenhower

In office: June 4, 1954 – January 1, 1966

Previous position: Supervisory Examiner (1952); Principal Examiner (div. 51)

Louis Francis Kreek, Jr.
November 23, 1955 - July 31, 1970

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed by: Dwight D. Eisenhower

In office: November 23, 1955 – July 31, 1970

Previous position: Examiner of Interferences; Principal Examiner

Peter T. Dracopoulos
August 23, 1957 - July 31, 1970

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed by: Dwight D. Eisenhower

Nomination confirmed by the Senate: August 22, 1957

In office: August 23, 1957 – July 31, 1970

Previous position: Principal Examiner

Harry Surle
August 23, 1957 - April 1, 1963

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed by: Dwight D. Eisenhower

Nomination confirmed by the Senate: August 22, 1957

In office: August 23, 1957 – April 1, 1963

Previous position: Principal Examiner (div. 6)

Malcolm F. Bailey
December 4, 1958 - July 1, 1967

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed by: Dwight D. Eisenhower

In office: December 4, 1958 – July 1, 1967

Previous position: Supervisory Classification Examiner (1948); Primary Examiner

James L. Brewrink
December 4, 1958 - January 1, 1969

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed by: Dwight D. Eisenhower

In office: December 4, 1958 – January 1, 1969

Previous position: Primary Examiner (div. 70) (1950)

James E. Keely
December 4, 1958 - February 4, 1971

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed by: Dwight D. Eisenhower

In office: December 4, 1958 – February 4, 1971

Previous position:  Primary Examiner

Joseph C. Manian
December 4, 1958 - January 1, 1966

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed by: Dwight D. Eisenhower

In office: December 4, 1958 – January 1, 1966

Previous position: Primary Examiner (div. 14) (1950)

Herbert Magil
October 1, 1959 - January 1, 1980

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed by: Dwight D. Eisenhower

In office: October 1, 1959 – January 1, 1980

Previous position: Primary Examiner

Previous position: Principal Examiner

Hyman B. Freehof
July 19, 1960 - January 1, 1965

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed by: Dwight D. Eisenhower

In office: July 19, 1960 – January 1, 1965

Previous position: Supervisory Patent Examiner (1950); Principal Examiner (div. 14)

Herbert J. Lidoff
June 10, 1963 - December 28, 1973

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed by: John F. Kennedy

In office: June 10, 1963 – December 28, 1973

Previous position: Primary Examiner

Manual C. Rosa
July 17, 1963 - December 30, 1966

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed by: John F. Kennedy

In office: July 17, 1963 – December 30, 1966

Previous position:  Executive Primary Examiner for Patent Examining Operation (1952); Supervisory Patent Examiner (1950); Primary Examiner

Arthur H. Behrens
August 12, 1965 - June 30, 1972

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed by: Lyndon B. Johnson

In office: August 12, 1965 – June 30, 1972

Previous position: Primary Examiner

Philip E. Mangan
October 15, 1965 - June 30, 1972

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed by: Lyndon B. Johnson

Nomination confirmed by the Senate: October 15, 1965

In office: October 15, 1965 – June 30, 1972

Previous position: Primary Examiner

Frederick M. Strader
November 20, 1966 - June 30, 1972

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed by: Lyndon B. Johnson

In office: November 20, 1966 – June 30, 1972

Previous position: Primary Examiner

Isaac G. Stone
April 21, 1967 - July 31, 1970

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed by: Lyndon B. Johnson

In office: April 21, 1967 – July 31, 1970

Previous positions: Supervisory Examiner (1952); Principal examiner (div. 43)

Don D. Andrews
May 22, 1967 - July 29, 1973

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed by: Lyndon B. Johnson

In office: May 22, 1967 – July 29, 1973

Previous position: Head Mechanical Division (Classification) (1948); Primary Examiner

George A. Gorecki
June 5, 1967 - May 31, 1971

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed by: Lyndon B. Johnson

In office: June 5, 1967 – May 31, 1971

Previous position: Primary Examiner

George C. Roeming
June 6, 1968 - December 31, 1974

Title: Chairman; Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed by: Lyndon B. Johnson

Nomination confirmed by the Senate: June 6, 1968

In office: June 6, 1968 – December 31, 1974

Previous position: Primary Examiner

Lutrelle F. Parker, Sr.
June 10, 1970 - February 13, 1975

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed by: Richard M. Nixon

In office: June 10, 1970 – February 13, 1975

Previous position: Primary Examiner

Subsequent position: Acting Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks (1977-1878; 1979)

Born: March 10, 1924, Newport News, VA  |  Died: December 16, 1994, Arlington, VA (buried Arlington National Cemetery (Captain, United States Navy Reserve (military career starts as Gunnery Officer in the Pacific theatre, WWII)); Sec: 7A, Site: 39 [NB son, Raymond D Parker (1952-1997), Major U.S. Marine Corps, Persian Gulf, buried in Sec: 7A, Site: 22])

Fred Conrad Mattern, Jr.
October 14, 1970 - March 1, 1985

Title: Chairman; Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed by: Richard M. Nixon

In office: October 14, 1970 – March 1, 1985; Chairman (1979 – 1985)

Previous position: Supervisory Primary Examiner (1966); Primary Examiner

Saul I. Serota
October 14, 1970 - May 1, 1994

Title: Chairman; Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed by: Richard M. Nixon

In office: October 14, 1970 – May 1, 1994; Chairman (1986 – 1994)

Previous position: Assistant Commissioner for Appeals Legislation and Trademarks (1970); Primary Examiner

John H. Schneider
January 10, 1971 - November 22, 1976

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed by: Richard M. Nixon

In office: January 10, 1971 – November 22, 1976

Previous position: Interference Examiner (1963); Primary Examiner

John F. Witherspoon
May 3, 1971 - October 31, 1978

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed by: Richard M. Nixon

In office: May 3, 1971 – October 31, 1978

Previous position: Patent Attorney

Subsequent position: Patent Attorney (Law Office of John F. Witherspoon)

Brereton Sturtevant
August 24, 1971 - January 2, 1988

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed by: Richard M. Nixon

In office: August 24, 1971 – January 2, 1988

Previous position: Patent Attorney

Subsequent position: Retired

Additional information: Brereton Sturtevant was the first woman appointed to the Board as an “Examiner-in-Chief”. (Daphne Leeds, Assistant Commissioner, was the first woman on the Board, by statute.) She was also one of the first Examiner-in-Chief appointed from outside the Patent Office since the advent of the civil service system (~1870). Learn more about her from the Penn State University Libraries at https://libraries.psu.edu/about/collections/few-good-women/brereton-sturtevant . There you can hear and read her story in her own words. Her story is also included in “A Matter of Simple Justice: The Untold Story of Barbara Hackman Franklin and a Few Good Women,” by Lee Stout, Penn State University Libraries; Update Version (published March 25, 2020); ISBN-13: 978-0983947820; ISBN-10: 0983947821.

John Stevens Lieb
September 7, 1971 - March 30, 1973

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed by: Richard M. Nixon

Nomination confirmed by the Senate: June 28, 1971

In office: September 7, 1971 – March 30, 1973

Previous position: unknown

Rodney D. Bennett
September 22, 1971 - December 30, 1985

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed by: Richard M. Nixon

In office: September 22, 1971 – December 30, 1985

Previous position: unknown

Rodger L. Campbell
November 4, 1973 - December 31, 1974

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed by: Richard M. Nixon

In office: November 4, 1973 – December 31, 1974

Previous position: unknown

Walter W. Burns, Jr.
December 4, 1973 - June 30, 1979

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed by: Richard M. Nixon

In office: December 4, 1973 – June 30, 1979

Previous position: USPTO Staff Director of Research, Office of Research, Development, and Analysis (1969); Primary Examiner

Paul Joseph Henon, Jr.
August 10, 1974 - October 14, 1989

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed by: Gerald R. Ford

In office: August 10, 1974 – October 14, 1989

Previous position: Primary Examiner

Evelyn K. Merker
November 2, 1974 - October 1, 1986

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed by: Gerald R. Ford

In office: November 2, 1974 – October 1, 1986

Previous position: Patent Attorney

Subsequent position: Patent Attorney (Syntex)

Gordon K. Milestone
November 2, 1974 - April 1, 1989

Title: Examiner-in-Chief (last Presidential appointment)

Appointed by: Gerald R. Ford

In office: November 2, 1974 – April 1, 1989

Previous position: Member, Board of Interferences (1969); Primary Examiner

Richard A. Spencer, Jr.
March 23, 1975 - January 2, 1988

Title: Examiner-in-Chief (first Civil Service appointment)

Appointed during the administration of: Gerald R. Ford

In office: March 23, 1975 – January 2, 1988

Previous position: Primary Examiner

David J. Williamowsky
August 20, 1975 - June 30, 1976

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed during the administration of: Gerald R. Ford

In office: August 20, 1975 – June 30, 1976

Previous position: Primary Examiner

Alva Donald Messenheimer
September 7, 1975 - October 31, 1987

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed during the administration of: Gerald R. Ford

In office: September 7, 1975 – October 31, 1987

Previous position: Primary Examiner

Melvin Goldstein
July 29, 1979 - August 31, 1996

Title: Examiner-in-Chief; Administrative Patent Judge (starting October 15, 1993)

Appointed during the administration of: Jimmy Carter

In office: July 29, 1979 – August 31, 1996

Previous position: Primary Examiner

Samuel Blech
October 1, 1979 - January 3, 1986

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed during the administration of: Jimmy Carter

In office: October 1, 1979 – January 3, 1986

Previous position: Primary Examiner

Robert F. Stahl, Sr.
January 27, 1980 - September 2, 1993

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed during the administration of: Jimmy Carter

In office: January 27, 1980 – September 2, 1993

Previous position: Primary Examiner

Jerry D. Craig
January 27, 1980 - February 25, 1994

Title: Examiner-in-Chief; Administrative Patent Judge (starting October 15, 1993)

Appointed during the administration of: Jimmy Carter

In office: January 27, 1980 – February 25, 1994

Previous position: Primary Examiner

Murray Katz
January 1, 1982 - January 3, 1986

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed during the administration of: Ronald Reagan

In office: January 1, 1982 – January 3, 1986

Previous position: Primary Examiner

Richard G. Besha
January 26, 1983 - November 30, 1986

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed during the administration of: Ronald Reagan

In office: January 26, 1983 – November 30, 1986

Previous position: Primary Examiner

Michael J. Keenan
June 26, 1983 - April 26, 1986

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed during the administration of: Ronald Reagan

In office: June 26, 1983 – April 26, 1986

Previous position: Primary Examiner

Gerald H. Bjorge
June 26, 1983 - October 15, 1986

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed during the administration of: Ronald Reagan

In office: June 26, 1983 – October 15, 1986

Previous position: Associate Solicitor; Primary Examiner; Technical Advisor – CCPA

Subsequent position: Patent Attorney (Novak Druce)

John T. Goolkasian
June 26, 1983 - January 7, 1994

Appointed during the administration of: Ronald Reagan

In office: June 26, 1983 – January 7, 1994

Previous position: Primary Examiner

William F. Lindquist
June 26, 1983 - December 13, 1994

Title: Examiner-in-Chief; Administrative Patent Judge (starting October 15, 1993)

Appointed during the administration of: Ronald Reagan

In office: June 26, 1983 – December 13, 1994

Previous position: Primary Examiner

Charles N. Lovell
June 26, 1983 - January 7, 1994

Title: Examiner-in-Chief; Administrative Patent Judge (starting October 15, 1993)

Appointed during the administration of: Ronald Reagan

In office: June 26, 1983 – January 7, 1994

Previous position: Primary Examiner

Frederick E. McKelvey
June 26, 1983 - February 8, 1985; May 1, 1994 - April 3, 2016

Title: Chief Administrative Patent Judge; Administrative Patent Judge (starting October 15, 1993)

Appointed during the administration of: Ronald Reagan

In office: June 26, 1983 – February 8, 1985; May 1, 1994 – April 3, 2016 (died in office)

Previous position: Solicitor; Primary Examiner

Mark E. Nusbaum
June 26, 1983 - July 19, 1986

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed during the administration of: Ronald Reagan

In office: June 26, 1983 – July 19, 1986

Previous position: Primary Examiner

Irving R. Pellman
June 26, 1983 - July 29, 1994

Title: Examiner-in-Chief; Administrative Patent Judge (starting October 15, 1993)

Appointed during the administration of: Ronald Reagan

In office: June 26, 1983 – July 29, 1994

Previous position: Primary Examiner

Verlin R. Pendegrass
June 26, 1983 - November 24, 1984

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed during the administration of: Ronald Reagan

In office: June 26, 1983 – November 24, 1984

Previous position: Primary Examiner

Eugene C. Rzucidlo
June 26, 1983 - June 22, 1985

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed during the administration of: Ronald Reagan

In office: June 26, 1983 – June 22, 1985

Previous position: Primary Examiner

James A. Seidleck
June 26, 1983 - September 27, 1994

Title: Examiner-in-Chief; Administrative Patent Judge (starting October 15, 1993)

Appointed during the administration of: Ronald Reagan

In office: June 26, 1983 – September 27, 1994

Previous position: Primary Examiner

Arthur J. Steiner
June 26, 1983 - November 26, 1993

Title: Examiner-in-Chief; Administrative Patent Judge (starting October 15, 1993)

Appointed during the administration of: Ronald Reagan

In office: June 26, 1983 – November 26, 1993

Previous position: Primary Examiner

Subsequent position: Patent Attorney (Ditthavong & Steiner)

Sherman D. Winters
June 26, 1983 - December 30, 2004

Title: Examiner-in-Chief; Administrative Patent Judge (starting October 15, 1993)

Appointed during the administration of: Ronald Reagan

In office: June 26, 1983 – December 30, 2004

Previous position: Primary Examiner; Technical Advisor – Federal Circuit

David L. Stewart
June 26, 1983 - October 29, 1993

Title: Examiner-in-Chief; Administrative Patent Judge (starting October 15, 1993)

Appointed during the administration of: Ronald Reagan

In office: June 26, 1983 – October 29, 1993

Prior to appointment: Chief Petitions Examiner; staff advisor to the Assistant Commissioner of Patents; Primary Examiner

Publication: “Patenting of Software – Proposed Guidelines and the Magic Dividing Line that Disappeared,” Journal of the Patent and Trademark Office Society, Vol. 77, Issue 9 (September 1995), pp. 681-698.

Harrison E. McCandlish
June 10, 1984 - May, 31, 1995; September 24, 2000 - March 31, 2002

Title: Examiner-in-Chief; Administrative Patent Judge (starting October 15, 1993)

Appointed during the administration of: Ronald Reagan

In office: June 10, 1984 – May, 31, 1995; September 24, 2000 – March 31, 2002

Previous position: Primary Examiner

Publication: “The PTO’s Renewed Efforts to Set Aside Undesired BPAI Decisions Produces a New Weapon: Vacatur,” Federal Circuit Bar Journal, Vol. 5, Issue 4 (Winter 1995), pp. 427-436.

Other: Chairman of the Patent, Trademark and Copyright Law Section of the Virginia State Bar (1982) 

Board of Interferences

Harry I. Houston (1939 – 1945)

Walter E. Waite (1939 – 1951)

Harold H. Jacobs (1939 – 1945)

Philip I. Heyman (1939 – 1959 (?))

Arturo Y. Casanova, Jr.

   Examiner of Interferences (1945 – 1956)

   Chief (1956 – 1964 (?))

Louis F. Kreek (1945 – 1955)

Joseph Isaacs (1947 – 1964 (?))

George P. Sakis (1947 – 1959 (?))

Warren H. Willner (1947 – 1964 (?))

George P. Sakis (1948 – 1959 (?))

Samuel Levin (1952 – 1964 (?))

Herbert Magil (1954 – 1959)

James E. Keely (1956 – 1958)

George W. Boys (1958 – 1971 (?))

LaVerne Williams (1959 -1964 (?))

James S. Bailey (1964 – 1971 (?))

Maurice A. Crews (1964 (?) -)

Stephen W. Capelli (1971 (? ) -)

Leslie H. Gaston (1971 (?) – 1976 (?))

Gordon K. Milestone (1971 (?) – 1974)

Walter A. Modance (1971 (?) – 1976 (?))

1973

Alton D. Rollins, Acting

1976

Ian A. Calvert

Marvin A Champion

Donald D. Forrer

Leslie H. Gaston

Fred E. McKelvey

Walter A. Modance

1984

Ian A. Calvert, Chairman

James R. Boler

Donald D. Forrer

Ronald H. Smith

Norman G. Torchin

Stanley M. Urynowicz Jr.

Lorraine A. Weinberger

Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences

Ian A. Calvert
February 8, 1985 - November 2, 2001

Title: Vice Chairman;  Administrative Patent Judge (starting October 15, 1993); Chairman of the Board of Interferences

Appointed during the administration of: Ronald Reagan

In office: February 8, 1985 – November 2, 2001

Previous position: Primary Examiner

Subsequent position: Patent Attorney (Womble Bond)

James R. Boler
February 8, 1985 - March 3, 1993

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed during the administration of: Ronald Reagan

In office: February 8, 1985 – March 3, 1993

Previous position: Primary Examiner

Donald D. Forrer
February 8, 1985 - June 30, 1989

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed during the administration of: Ronald Reagan

In office: February 8, 1985 – June 30, 1989

Previous position: Primary Examiner

Ronald H. Smith
February 8, 1985 - November 3, 1998

Title: Examiner-in-Chief; Administrative Patent Judge (starting October 15, 1993)

Appointed during the administration of: Ronald Reagan

In office: February 8, 1985 – November 3, 1998

Previous position: Primary Examiner

Norman G. Torchin
February 8, 1985 - January 18, 1991

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed during the administration of: Ronald Reagan

In office: February 8, 1985 – January 18, 1991

Previous position: Primary Examiner

Stanley M. Urynowicz, Jr.
February 8, 1985 - January 2, 2004

Title: Examiner-in-Chief; Administrative Patent Judge (starting October 15, 1993)

Appointed during the administration of: Ronald Reagan

In office: February 8, 1985 – January 2, 2004

Previous position: Primary Examiner

Marion Parsons, Jr.
April 14, 1985 - September 29, 1994

Title: Examiner-in-Chief; Administrative Patent Judge (starting October 15, 1993)

Appointed during the administration of: Ronald Reagan

In office: April 14, 1985 – September 29, 1994

Previous position: Primary Examiner

Ruth H. Newtson
April 14, 1985 - December 30, 1994

Title: Examiner-in-Chief; Administrative Patent Judge (starting October 15, 1993)

Appointed during the administration of: Ronald Reagan

In office: April 14, 1985 – December 30, 1994

Previous position: Primary Examiner

Vincent D. Turner
April 14, 1985 - August 2, 1996

Title: Examiner-in-Chief; Administrative Patent Judge (starting October 15, 1993)

Appointed during the administration of: Ronald Reagan

In office: April 14, 1985 – August 2, 1996

Previous position: Primary Examiner

Irwin Charles Cohen
April 14, 1985 - March 31, 2005

Title: Examiner-in-Chief; Administrative Patent Judge (starting October 15, 1993)

Appointed during the administration of: Ronald Reagan

In office: April 14, 1985 – March 31, 2005

Previous position: Primary Examiner

Henry (Hank) W. Tarring, II
October 13, 1985 - August 5, 1994

Title: Examiner-in-Chief; Administrative Patent Judge (starting October 15, 1993)

Appointed during the administration of: Ronald Reagan

In office: October 13, 1985 – August 5, 1994

Previous position: Primary Examiner, Associate Solicitor

Michael Sofocleous
October 13, 1985 - July 3, 1999

Title: Examiner-in-Chief; Administrative Patent Judge (starting October 15, 1993)

Appointed during the administration of: Ronald Reagan

In office: October 13, 1985 – July 3, 1999

Previous position: Primary Examiner

Marc L. Caroff
October 13, 1985 - July 30, 2006

Title: Examiner-in-Chief; Administrative Patent Judge (starting October 15, 1993)

Appointed during the administration of: Ronald Reagan

In office: October 13, 1985 – July 30, 2006

Previous position: Primary Examiner

Edward J. Meros
March 2, 1986 - March 31, 1997

Title: Examiner-in-Chief; Administrative Patent Judge (starting October 15, 1993)

Appointed during the administration of: Ronald Reagan

In office: March 2, 1986 – March 31, 1997

Previous position: Primary Examiner

Thomas E. Lynch
May 25, 1986 - February 22, 1994

Title: Examiner-in-Chief; Administrative Patent Judge (starting October 15, 1993)

Appointed during the administration of: Ronald Reagan

In office: May 25, 1986 – February 22, 1994

Previous position: Primary Examiner

Mary F. Downey
May 25, 1986 - December 30, 2000

Title: Examiner-in-Chief; Administrative Patent Judge (starting October 15, 1993)

Appointed during the administration of: Ronald Reagan

In office: May 25, 1986 – December 30, 2000

Previous position: Primary Examiner

William F. Smith
May 25, 1986 - December 2, 2005

Title: Examiner-in-Chief; Administrative Patent Judge (starting October 15, 1993)

Appointed during the administration of: Ronald Reagan

In office: May 25, 1986 – December 2, 2005

Previous position: Primary Examiner

Alton D. Rollins
May 25, 1986 - February 2, 1990

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Born: August 24, 1933 in Sewanee, TN

Died: April 30, 2012 in Rowlett, TX (source: LINK)

Served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict.

Photo courtesy of his son (approved August 2022).

Appointed during the Reagan administration.

In office: May 25, 1986 – February 2, 1990

Previous position: Primary Examiner (1970); Acting Examiner of Interferences (Board of Interferences (1975))

Subsequent position: Patent Attorney (Oblon)

Publications:

• “In Rem Invalidity: A Solution in Search of a Problem,” 12 Pat. Trademark & Copy. J. Res. & Ed. 901 (1968-1969) (2nd-year GW Law Student Paper).

• “The Role of Discovery in Patent Litigation,” 52 JPOS 293 (1970) (3rd-year GW Law Student Paper; Primary Examiner).

• “PTO Practice: 35 U.S.C. 102(g) and Inequitable Conduct,” JPOS 625 (1987).

• “A Critique of Recent Opinions in Patent Interferences,” 88 JPOS 25 (2006) (co-author with Chico Gholz).

Bruce H. Stoner, Jr.
May 25, 1986 - October 31, 2003

Title: Chief Administrative Patent Judge; Administrative Patent Judge (starting October 15, 1993); Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed during the administration of: Ronald Reagan

In office: May 25, 1986 – October 31, 2003

Previous position: Primary Examiner

Stephen J. Emery
July 6, 1986 - June 30, 1994

Title: Examiner-in-Chief; Administrative Patent Judge (starting October 15, 1993)

Appointed during the administration of: Ronald Reagan

In office: July 6, 1986 – June 30, 1994

Previous position: Primary Examiner

William E. Lyddane
July 6, 1986 - December 3, 1997

Title: Examiner-in-Chief; Administrative Patent Judge (starting October 15, 1993)

Appointed during the administration of: Ronald Reagan

In office: July 6, 1986 – December 3, 1997

Previous position: Primary Examiner

Edward C. Kimlin
July 6, 1986 - July 17, 2014

Title: Examiner-in-Chief; Administrative Patent Judge (starting October 15, 1993)

Appointed during the administration of: Ronald Reagan

In office: July 6, 1986 – July 17, 2014

Previous position: Primary Examiner

James D. Thomas
October 26, 1986 - December 31, 2010

Title: Examiner-in-Chief; Administrative Patent Judge (starting October 15, 1993)

Appointed during the administration of: Ronald Reagan

In office: October 26, 1986 – December 31, 2010

Previous position: Primary Examiner

Thomas J. Holko
February 1, 1987 - January 1, 1990

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed during the administration of: Ronald Reagan

In office: February 1, 1987 – January 1, 1990

Previous position: Primary Examiner

James M. Meister
February 1, 1987 - October 1, 1999

Title: Examiner-in-Chief; Administrative Patent Judge (starting October 15, 1993)

Appointed during the administration of: Ronald Reagan

In office: February 1, 1987 – October 1, 1999

Previous position: Primary Examiner

Neal E. Abrams
February 15, 1987 - December 30, 2004; February 1, 2012 - October 28, 2016

Title: Examiner-in-Chief; Administrative Patent Judge (starting October 15, 1993)

Appointed during the administration of: Ronald Reagan

In office: February 15, 1987 – December 30, 2004; February 1, 2012 – October 28, 2016

Previous position: Primary Examiner

Andrew H. Metz
July 19, 1987 - January 3, 2005; February 13, 2012 - November 15, 2013

Title: Examiner-in-Chief; Administrative Patent Judge (starting October 15, 1993)

Appointed during the administration of: Ronald Reagan

In office: July 19, 1987 – January 3, 2005; February 13, 2012 – November 15, 2013

Previous position: Primary Examiner

Subsequent position: Patent Attorney (Ditthavong & Steiner)

Gene Z. Rubinson
July 19, 1987 - June 3, 1989

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed during the administration of: Ronald Reagan

In office: July 19, 1987 – June 3, 1989

Previous position: Primary Examiner

Subsequent position: Patent Attorney (Ditthavong & Steiner)

John Douglas Smith
July 19, 1987 - June 1, 2001

Title: Examiner-in-Chief; Administrative Patent Judge (starting October 15, 1993)

Appointed during the administration of: Ronald Reagan

In office: July 19, 1987 – June 1, 2001

Previous position: Primary Examiner

Bradley R. Garris
August 2, 1987 - December 31, 2016; January 11, 2017 - December 31, 2019

Title: Examiner-in-Chief; Administrative Patent Judge (starting October 15, 1993)

Appointed during the administration of: Ronald Reagan

In office: August 2, 1987 – December 31, 2016; January 11, 2017 – December 31, 2019

Previous position: Primary Examiner

Kenneth W. Hairston
September 13, 1987 - December 31, 2010

Title: Examiner-in-Chief; Administrative Patent Judge (starting October 15, 1993)

Appointed during the administration of: Ronald Reagan

In office: September 13, 1987 – December 31, 2010

Previous position: Primary Examiner

William A. Skinner
October 13, 1987 - September 9, 1989

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed during the administration of: Ronald Reagan

In office: October 13, 1987 – September 9, 1989

Previous position: Primary Examiner

Charles E. Frankfort
October 25, 1987 - December 30, 2006

Title: Examiner-in-Chief; Administrative Patent Judge (starting October 15, 1993)

Appointed during the administration of: Ronald Reagan

In office: October 25, 1987 – December 30, 2006

Previous position: Primary Examiner

Errol A. Krass
October 25, 1987 - December 30, 2006

Title: Examiner-in-Chief; Administrative Patent Judge (starting October 15, 1993)

Appointed during the administration of: Ronald Reagan

In office: October 25, 1987 – December 30, 2006

Previous position: Primary Examiner

William F. Pate
October 25, 1987 - November 1, 2011

Title: Examiner-in-Chief; Administrative Patent Judge (starting October 15, 1993)

Appointed during the administration of: Ronald Reagan

In office: October 25, 1987 – November 1, 2011

Previous position: Primary Examiner

Raymond F. Cardillo, Jr.
August 28, 1988 - September 28, 1996

Title: Examiner-in-Chief; Administrative Patent Judge (starting October 15, 1993)

Appointed during the administration of: Ronald Reagan

In office: August 28, 1988 – September 28, 1996

Previous position: Primary Examiner

Lawrence J. Staab
August 28, 1988 - December 30, 2004

Title: Examiner-in-Chief; Administrative Patent Judge (starting October 15, 1993)

Appointed during the administration of: Ronald Reagan

In office: August 28, 1988 – December 30, 2004

Previous position: Primary Examiner

John P. McQuade
August 28, 1988 - December 30, 2006

Title: Examiner-in-Chief; Administrative Patent Judge (starting October 15, 1993)

Appointed during the administration of: Ronald Reagan

In office: August 28, 1988 – December 30, 2006

Previous position: Primary Examiner

John C. Martin
May 21, 1989 - February 25, 2011; May 7, 2012 - May 29, 2015

Title: Examiner-in-Chief; Administrative Patent Judge (starting October 15, 1993)

Appointed during the administration of: George Bush

In office: May 21, 1989 – February 25, 2011; May 7, 2012 – May 29, 2015

Previous position: Primary Examiner

Thomas G. Wiseman
March 2, 1990 - September 7, 1991

Title: Examiner-in-Chief

Appointed during the administration of: George Bush

In office: March 2, 1990 – September 7, 1991

Previous position: Primary Examiner

Lee E. Barrett
May 1, 1994 - July 31, 2010; October 20, 2014 - October 2, 2015

Title: Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: William J. Clinton

In office: May 1, 1994 – July 31, 2010; October 20, 2014 – October 2, 2015

Previous position: Associate Solicitor; Primary Examiner

Michael R. Fleming
May 1, 1994 - December 31, 2010

Title: Chief Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: William J. Clinton

In office: May 1, 1994 – December 31, 2010

Previous position: Primary Examiner

Teddy S. Gron
May 1, 1994 - June 30, 2008

Title: Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: William J. Clinton

In office: May 1, 1994 – June 30, 2008

Previous position: Primary Examiner

Subsequent position: Patent Attorney (Oblon)

Gary V. Harkcom
May 1, 1994 - May 31, 2008

Title: Vice Chief and Acting Chief Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: William J. Clinton

In office: May 1, 1994 – May 31, 2008

Previous position: Primary Examiner

Richard E. Schafer
May 1, 1994 - January 3, 2018

Title: Vice Chief Administrative Patent Judge; Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: William J. Clinton

In office: May 1, 1994 – January 3, 2018

Previous position: Primary Examiner

Jerry Smith
May 1, 1994 - December 30, 2006

Title: Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: William J. Clinton

In office: May 1, 1994 – December 30, 2006

Previous position: Primary Examiner

Cameron K. Weiffenbach
May 1, 1994 - May 1, 1999

Title: Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: William J. Clinton

In office: May 1, 1994 – May 1, 1999

Previous position: Director of the Office of Enrollment; Primary Examiner

Chung Ki Pak
October 1, 1994 - December 31, 2017

Title: Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: William J. Clinton

In office: October 1, 1994 – December 31, 2017

Previous position: Primary Examiner

Subsequent position: Chief Administrative Law Judge of the Maryland Office of Administrative Hearings (appointed by Governor Larry Hogan on June 9, 2020) LINK

Education: Received Juris Doctor from The Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C., in 1989 and Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama in 1982.

Admitted to the U.S. Supreme Court, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, the U.S. Court of Appeals for Fourth Circuit, Maryland Bar, Virginia Bar, D.C. Bar, and Patent Bar.

Charles F. Warren
March 19, 1995 - December 31, 2015

Title: Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: William J. Clinton

In office: March 19, 1995 – December 31, 2015

Previous position: Technology Director; Primary Examiner

Joan Ellis
April 1, 1995 - April 30, 2006

Title: Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: William J. Clinton

In office: April 1, 1995 – April 30, 2006

Previous position: Detaileee at the Board (April 1, 1994 – March 31, 1995); Primary Examiner

Anthony McFarlane
March 2, 1996 - August 30, 1997

Title: Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: William J. Clinton

In office: March 2, 1996 – August 30, 1997

Previous position: Primary Examiner

Joan V. Thierstein
March 2, 1996 - August 30, 1997

Title: Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: William J. Clinton

In office: March 2, 1996 – August 30, 1997

Previous position: Primary Examiner

Elizabeth C. Weimar
March 2, 1996 - October 9, 1998

Title: Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: William J. Clinton

In office: March 2, 1996 – October 9, 1998

Previous position: Primary Examiner

Subsequent position: Patent Attorney (Morgan Lewis)

Jeffrey V. Nase
September 1, 1996 - February 15, 2006

Title: Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: William J. Clinton

In office: September 1, 1996 – February 15, 2006

Previous position: Patent Legal Administrator/Director Office of Petitions (USPTO); Primary Examiner

Subsequent position: Patent Attorney (Law Office of Jeffrey V. Nase)

Thomas A. Waltz
September 1, 1996 - January 2, 2009

Title: Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: William J. Clinton

In office: September 1, 1996 – January 2, 2009

Previous position: Primary Examiner

James T. Carmichael
October 28, 1996 - June 26, 1999

Title: Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: William J. Clinton

In office: October 28, 1996 – June 26, 1999

Previous position: Associate Solicitor (USPTO)

Subsequent position: Patent Attorney (Carmichael IP)

Richard Torczon
October 28, 1996 - June 30, 2014

Title: Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: William J. Clinton

In office: October 28, 1996 – June 30, 2014

Previous position: Associate Solicitor (USPTO)

Subsequent position: Patent Attorney (Wilson Sonsini)

John F. Gonzales
January 3, 1999 - April 30, 2001

Title: Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: William J. Clinton

In office: January 3, 1999 – April 30, 2001

Previous position: Primary Examiner

Anita Pellman Gross
January 3, 1999 - July 19, 2008

Title: Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: William J. Clinton

In office: January 3, 1999 – July 19, 2008

Previous position: Primary Examiner

Subsequent position: Patent Attorney (Ditthavong & Steiner)

Stuart N. Hecker
January 3, 1999 - June 1, 2001

Title: Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: William J. Clinton

In office: January 3, 1999 – June 1, 2001

Previous position: Primary Examiner

Peter F. Kratz
January 3, 1999 - January 3, 2018

Title: Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: William J. Clinton

In office: January 3, 1999 – January 3, 2018

Previous position: Primary Examiner

Parshotam S. Lall
January 3, 1999 - January 11, 2003

Title: Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: William J. Clinton

In office: January 3, 1999 – January 11, 2003

Previous position: Primary Examiner

Paul Lieberman
January 3, 1999 - January 2, 2004

Title: Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: William J. Clinton

In office: January 3, 1999 – January 2, 2004

Previous position: Primary Examiner

Douglas W. Robinson
January 3, 1999 - January 11, 2002

Title: Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: William J. Clinton

In office: January 3, 1999 – January 11, 2002

Previous position: Primary Examiner

Joseph F. Ruggiero
January 3, 1999 - October 3, 2014

Title: Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: William J. Clinton

In office: January 3, 1999 – October 3, 2014

Previous position: Primary Examiner

Carol A. Spiegel
January 3, 1999 - December 31, 2010

Title: Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: William J. Clinton

In office: January 3, 1999 – December 31, 2010

Previous position: Primary Examiner

Ernest G. Therkorn
January 3, 1999 - January 16, 1999

Title: Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: William J. Clinton

In office: January 3, 1999 – January 16, 1999

Previous position: Primary Examiner

Jennifer D. Bahr
April 26, 1999 - September 2, 2023

Title: Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: William J. Clinton

In office: April 26, 1999 – September 2, 2023

Previous position: Primary Examiner

Lance Leonard Barry
April 26, 1999 - September 22, 2012

Title: Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: William J. Clinton

In office: April 26, 1999 – September 22, 2012

Previous position: Primary Examiner

Howard B. Blankenship
March 26, 2000 - January 20, 2017

Title: Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: William J. Clinton

In office: March 26, 2000 – January 20, 2017

Previous position: Primary Examiner

Toni R. Scheiner
March 26, 2000 - May 29, 2020

Title: Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: William J. Clinton

In office: March 26, 2000 – May 29, 2020

Previous position: Primary Examiner

Stuart S. Levy
March 27, 2000 - August 3, 2007

Title: Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: William J. Clinton

In office: March 27, 2000 – August 3, 2007

Previous position: Primary Examiner

Romulo H. Delmendo
March 24, 2000 - December 31, 2020

Title: Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: William J. Clinton

In office: March 24, 2000 – December 31, 2020

Previous positions: Primary Examiner, Patent Attorney

Subsequent position: Patent Attorney, Davidson Berquist Jackson + Gowdey

Demetra J. Mills
April 24, 2000 - December 31, 2019

Title: Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: William J. Clinton

In office: April 24, 2000 – December 31, 2019

Sally Gardner Lane
July 2, 2000 - December 31, 2022

Title: Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: William J. Clinton

In office: July 2, 2000 – December 31, 2022

Previous position: Primary Examiner

Sally Medlley
July 2, 2000 - December 31, 2022

Title: Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: William J. Clinton

In office: July 2, 2000 – December 31, 2022

Previous position: Primary Examiner

Richard B. Lazarus
July 2, 2000 - May 3, 2001

Title: Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: William J. Clinton

In office: July 2, 2000 – May 3, 2001

Previous position: Primary Examiner

Mark Nagumo
November 18, 2000 - December 31, 2019

Title: Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: George W. Bush

In office: November 18, 2000 – December 31, 2019

Previous position: Primary Examiner

Lora M. Green
December 3, 2001 - July 6, 2018

Title: Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: George W. Bush

In office: December 3, 2001 – July 6, 2018

Previous positions: Primary Examiner; Patent Attorney

Subsequent position: Patent Attorney (Wilson Sonsini)

Nancy J. Linck
May 15, 2006 - January 31, 2008

Title: Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: George W. Bush

In office: May 15, 2006 – January 31, 2008

Previous position: Solicitor of the USPTO; Patent Attorney

Subsequent position: Patent Attorney (NJ Linck Consulting)

Jay P. Lucas
October 15, 2006 - December 31, 2011

Title: Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: George W. Bush

In office: October 15, 2006 – December 31, 2011

Previous position: Primary Examiner

David B. Walker
April 16, 2007 - April 24, 2009

Title: Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: George W. Bush

In office: April 16, 2007 – April 24, 2009

Melanie L. McCollum
September 30, 2007 - July 24, 2017

Title: Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: George W. Bush

In office: September 30, 2007 – July 24, 2017

Previous position: Primary Examiner

Michael W. O'Neill
September 30, 2007 - October 31, 2013

Title: Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: George W. Bush

In office: September 30, 2007 – October 31, 2013

Previous position: Primary Examiner

Francisco (Frank) C. Prats
September 30, 2007 - July 14, 2021

Title: Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: George W. Bush

In office: September 30, 2007 – July 14, 2021

Previous position: Primary Examiner

Stephen C. Siu
October 1, 2007 - December 31, 2019

Title: Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: George W. Bush

In office: October 1, 2007 – December 31, 2019

John C. Kerins
October 1, 2007 - April 2, 2022

Title: Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: George W. Bush

In office: October 1, 2007 – April 2, 2022

Carla M. Krivak
October 15, 2007 - March 31, 2019

Title: Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: George W. Bush

In office: October 15, 2007 – March 31, 2019

Ralph Eugene Varndell, Jr.
April 14, 2008 - March 20, 2009

Title: Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: George W. Bush

In office: April 14, 2008 – March 20, 2009

Thomas S. Hahn
August 3, 2008 - October 3, 2012

Title: Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: George W. Bush

In office: August 3, 2008 – October 3, 2012

Fred A. Silverberg
September 2, 2008 - October 31, 2011

Title: Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: George W. Bush

In office: September 2, 2008 – October 31, 2011

Previous positions: Senior Legal Advisor, Office of Patent Legal Administration; Primary Examiner

Stephen G. Walsh
October 27, 2008 - April 30, 2013

Title: Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: George W. Bush

In office: October 27, 2008 – April 30, 2013

Previous position: Associate Solicitor; Primary Examiner

Joni Y. Chang
April 24, 2011 - December 31, 2022

Title: Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: Barack Obama

In office: April 24, 2011 – December 31, 2022

Previous position: Primary Examiner

Robert A. Clarke
April 24, 2011 - July 28, 2012

Title: Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: Barack Obama

In office: April 24, 2011 – July 28, 2012

Previous position: Director/Deputy Director, Office of Patent Legal Administration, Office of the Deputy Director for Patent Examination Policy (1999-2011); Chief of Staff (2009); Primary Examiner (1990-1999; Group 3300, now Technology Center 3700)

Subsequent positions: Editor of the Manual of Patent Examination Procedure (2012- )

Gregory J. Gonsalves
April 24, 2011 - June 30, 2013

Title: Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: Barack Obama

In office: April 24, 2011 – June 30, 2013

Previous position: Primary Examiner

Michael L. Hoelter
April 24, 2011 - July 16, 2022

Title: Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: George W. Bush

In office: April 24, 2011 – July 16, 2022

Gay Ann Spahn
April 24, 2011 - April 19, 2014

Title: Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: Barack Obama

In office: April 24, 2011 – April 19, 2014

Previous position: Primary Examiner

Bruce Winsor
April 25, 2011 - September 29, 2018

Title: Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: Barack Obama

In office: April 25, 2011 – September 29, 2018

Previous position: Patent Attorney

James D. Smith
May 8, 2011 - July 31, 2015

Title: Chief Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: Barack Obama

In office: May 8, 2011 – July 31, 2015

Previous position: Patent Attorney

Subsequent position: Patent Attorney (Ecolab)

Andrew J. Dillon
June 5, 2011 - September 30, 2016

Title: Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: Barack Obama

In office: June 5, 2011 – September 30, 2016

Previous position: Patent Attorney

Stanley M. Weinberg
February 13, 2012 - July 31, 2015

Title: Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: Barack Obama

In office: February 13, 2012 – July 31, 2015

Previous position: Patent Attorney

Bryan F. Moore
March 1, 2012 - May 7, 2022

Title: Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: Barack Obama

In office: March 1, 2012 – May 7, 2022

Previous position: Investigative Attorney in the USITC’s Office of Unfair Import Investigations (2005-2012)

Subsequent position: Administrative Law Judge at the U.S. International Trade Commission 

Glenn J. Perry
March 1, 2012 - September 30, 2017

Title: Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: Barack Obama

In office: March 1, 2012 – September 30, 2017

Previous position: Patent Attorney

Trevor Jefferson
March 12, 2012 - June 3, 2023

Title: Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: Barack Obama

In office: March 12, 2012 – June 3, 2023

Previous position: Patent Attorney (Dept. of Justice)

Subsequent position: Patent Attorney

Remy Joseph VanOphem
May 21, 2012 - October 30, 2013

Title: Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: Barack Obama

In office: May 21, 2012 – October 30, 2013

Previous position: Patent Attorney

John W. Morrison
May 21, 2012 - February 18, 2014

Title: Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: Barack Obama

In office: May 21, 2012 – February 18, 2014

Previous position: Patent Attorney

Rama G. Elluru
June 12, 2012 - October 30, 2021

Title: Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: Barack Obama

In office: June 12, 2012 – October 30, 2021

Previous position: Patent Attorney

Subsequent position: Director of Research and Analysis, National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence

Richard E. Rice
July 16, 2012 - August 16, 2017

Title: Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: Barack Obama

In office: July 16, 2012 – August 16, 2017

Previous position: Patent Attorney

Bradford Kile
July 16, 2012 - May 3, 2013

Title: Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: Barack Obama

In office: July 16, 2012 – May 3, 2013

Previous position: Patent Attorney

Scott E. Kamholz
July 30, 2012 - May 5, 2015

Title: Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: Barack Obama

In office: July 30, 2012 – May 5, 2015

Previous position: Patent Attorney

Subsequent position: Patent Attorney, Scott E. Kamholz, PLLC

Trenton A. Ward
September 10, 2012 - September 11, 2017

Title: Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: Barack Obama

In office: September 10, 2012 – September 11, 2017

Previous position: Patent Attorney

Subsequent position: Patent Attorney, Finnegan

Philip J. Hoffmann
September 13, 2012 - January 30, 2021

Title: Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: Barack Obama

In office: September 13, 2012 – January 30, 2021

Previous position: Patent Attorney

Subsequent position: Patent Attorney, Ropes & Gray LLP

Patent Trial and Appeal Board

Timothy O'Hearn
September 24, 2012 - April 5, 2013

Title: Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: Barack Obama

In office:  September 24, 2012 – April 5, 2013

Previous position: Patent Attorney

Irvin (Gene) E. Branch
October 12, 2012 - September 25, 2021

Title: Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: Barack Obama

In office: October 12, 2012 – September 25, 2021

Previous position: Patent Attorney

Adam V. Floyd
October 12, 2012 - June 13, 2014

Title: Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: Barack Obama

In office: October 12, 2012 – June 13, 2014

Previous position: Patent Attorney

Subsequent position: Patent Attorney (Law Office of Adam V. Floyd)

Neil Smith
December 3, 2012 - July 10, 2013

Title: Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: Barack Obama

In office: December 3, 2012 – July 10, 2013

Prior position: Patent Attorney

Beverly M. Bunting
December 17, 2012 - December 31, 2019

Title: Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: Barack Obama

In office: December 17, 2012 – December 31, 2019

Previous position: Patent Attorney

Daniel N. Fishman
January 14, 2013 - February 29, 2020

Title: Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: Barack Obama

In office: January 14, 2013 – February 29, 2020

Previous position: Patent Attorney

Subsequent position: Patent Attorney (Yee & Associates)

Thomas F. Smegal
January 14, 2013 - February 29, 2020

Title: Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: Barack Obama

In office: January 14, 2013 – February 29, 2020

Previous position: Patent Attorney

Subsequent position: Patent Attorney (Smegal Law)

Matthew R. Clements
March 25, 2013 - January 23, 2019

Title: Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: Barack Obama

In office: March 25, 2013 – January 23, 2019

Previous position: Patent Attorney

Subsequent position: Patent Attorney (Apple)

Peter P. Chen
August 12, 2013 - March 17, 2017

Title: Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: Barack Obama

In office: August 12, 2013 – March 17, 2017

Previous position: Patent Attorney

Subsequent position: Patent Attorney (Covington)

Brian P. Murphy
September 23, 2013 - September 30, 2017

Title: Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: Barack Obama

In office: September 23, 2013 – September 30, 2017

Previous position: Patent Attorney

Subsequent position: Patent Attorney (Haug)

John Lee
January 27, 2014 - February 21, 2023

T

Title: Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: Barack Obama

In office: January 27, 2014 – February 21, 2023

Previous position: Patent Attorney

Subsequent position: Chief Counsel at U.S. House of Representatives, Committee on the Judiciary (2023-02+)

Linzy T. McCartney
January 27, 2014 - February 14, 2021

Title: Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: Barack Obama

In office: January 27, 2014 – February 14, 2021

Previous position: Patent Attorney

John Paul Pinkerton
May 19, 2014 - December 31, 2021

Title: Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: Barack Obama

In office: May 19, 2014 – December 31, 2021

Previous position: Patent Attorney

Timothy J. Goodson
May 19, 2014 - December 21, 2021

Title: Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: Barack Obama

In office: May 19, 2014 – December 21, 2021

Previous position: Patent Attorney

Jeffrey A. Stephens
June 16, 2014 - June 21, 2019

Title: Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: Barack Obama

In office: June 16, 2014 – June 21, 2019

Previous position: Patent Attorney

William ("Tim") A. Fink
June 16, 2014 - April 30, 2021

Title: Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: Barack Obama

In office: June 16, 2014 – April 30, 2021

Previous position: Vice Chief Administrative Patent Judge, Patent Attorney

Subsequent position: Patent Attorney (O’Melveny)

Elizabeth A. LaVier
July 14,2014 - May 22, 2021

Title: Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: Barack Obama

In office: July 14,2014 – May 22, 2021

Previous position: Patent Attorney

Jessica C. Kaiser
November 17, 2014 - February 16, 2022

Title: Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: Barack Obama

In office: November 17, 2014 – February 16, 2022

Previous position: Patent Attorney

Subsequent position: Patent Attorney (Arnold & Porter)

John P. Lentivech
November 17, 2014 - November 30, 2019

Title: Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: Barack Obama

In office: November 17, 2014 – November 30, 2019

Previous position: Patent Attorney

Subsequent position: Patent Attorney (Harrity)

Gordon D. Kinder
January 11, 2015 - January 6, 2018

Title: Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: Barack Obama

In office: January 11, 2015 – January 6, 2018

Previous position: Patent Attorney

Mark A. Geier
January 26, 2015 - October 31, 2016

Title: Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: Barack Obama

In office: January 26, 2015 – October 31, 2016

Previous position: Patent Attorney; CAFC Law Clerk (to Hon. Paul Michel)

Subsequent Position: Patent Attorney (Logan & Partners)

Jacqueline T. Harlow
January 26, 2015 - December 31, 2019

Title: Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: Barack Obama

In office: January 26, 2015 – December 31, 2019

Previous position: Patent Attorney; CAFC Law Clerk (to Hon. Randall Rader)

Subsequent Position: Patent Attorney (Apple)

Kamran Jivani
March 23, 2015 - December 19, 2020

Title: Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: Barack Obama

In office: March 23, 2015 – December 19, 2020

Previous position: Patent Attorney

Subsequent position: Patent Attorney (Square)

Nathan K. Kelley
June 29, 2015 - May 22, 2016

Title: Acting Chief Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: Barack Obama

In office: June 29, 2015 – May 22, 2016

Previous position: Deputy Chief Administrative Patent Judge; Deputy General Counsel for Intellectual Property Law and Solicitor (USPTO); CAFC Law Clerk (to Hon. Randall Rader); CAFC (attorney); Patent Examiner

Subsequent position: Patent Attorney (Perkins Coie)

Michael M. Barry
August 24, 2015 - August 28, 2020

Title: Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: Barack Obama

In office: August 24, 2015 – August 28, 2020

Previous position: Patent Attorney

Richard J. Smith
August 24, 2015 - April 10, 2021

Title: Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: Barack Obama

In office: August 24, 2015 – April 10, 2021

Previous position: Patent Attorney

Monté T. Squire
November 16, 2015 - May 29, 2021

Title: Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: Barack Obama

In office: November 16, 2015 – May 29, 2021

Prior Position: Patent Attorney

Gregory R. Lyons
April 18, 2016 - April 26, 2016

Title: Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: Barack Obama

In office: April 18, 2016 – April 26, 2016

Prior Position: Patent Attorney

Alex S. Yap
April 18, 2016 - December 31, 2019

Title: Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: Barack Obama

In office: April 18, 2016 – December 31, 2019

Previous position: Patent Attorney

Subsequent position: Patent Attorney (Morrison Foerster)

David P. Ruschke
May 23, 2016 - September 2, 2018

Title: Chief Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: Barack Obama

In office: May 23, 2016 – September 2, 2018

Previous position: Patent Attorney

Subsequent position: Senior Advisor at the Office of the Commissioner for Patents (USPTO)

Anthony Knight
January 18, 2017 - September 30, 2018

Title: Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: Barack Obama

In office: January 18, 2017 – September 30, 2018

Previous position: Director of Stakeholder Outreach and the Patents Ombudsman Program (USPTO); Acting Associate Commissioner for Innovation Development; Director of Office of Petitions; Supervisory Primary Examiner; Primary Examiner; Patent Attorney

Source: USPTO

Scott C. Weidenfeller
March 5, 2017 - September 25, 2021

Title: Vice Chief Administrative Patent Judge

Appointed during the administration of: Donald Trump

In office: March 5, 2017 – September 25, 2021

Previous position: Office of the Solicitor: Senior Counsel for Patent Law and Litigation (2012-2017),  Associate Solicitor (2009-2012); Patent Attorney

Subsequent position: Patent Attorney (Covington)

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The American Association of Patent Judges
is recognized as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization by
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IN MEMORIAM

Hon. John Paul Pinkerton

Administrative Patent Judge
Patent Trial and Appeal Board
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Source: Sand Springs Leader

Hon. Stephen Julien Emery
Examiner-In-Chief
Administrative Patent Judge
Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Source: Washington Post

Hon. Norman G. Torchin
Examiner-In-Chief
Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Source: Washington Post

Hon. John Thomas Goolkasian
Examiner-In-Chief
Administrative Patent Judge
Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Source: Washington Post

Hon. Alton Douglas Rollins
Examiner-In-Chief
Administrative Patent Judge
Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Source: Rest Haven Funeral Home

Hon. Lawrence “Larry” John Staab
Administrative Patent Judge
Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Source: Miller Funeral Home

 

Hon. Natalie Trousof
Acting Examiner-in-Chief
Board of Appeals, U.S. Patent Office

Source: Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home

Hon. Gordon K. Milestone
Examiner-in-Chief
Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Source: Hines-Rinaldi Funeral Home

Hon. Donald D. Forrer
Examiner-in-Chief
Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Source: Beall Funeral Home

Hon. Melanie L. McCollum
Administrative Patent Judge
Patent Trial and Appeal Board, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Source: Capital Gazette

Hon. Irving Pellman
Administrative Patent Judge
Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Source: Washington Post

Hon. James R. Boler
Examiner-in-Chief
Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Source: Washington Post

Hon. Frederick E. McKelvey
Senior Administrative Patent Judge
Patent Trial and Appeal Board, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Source: Fauquier Now
Memorial Service

Hon. James D. Thomas
Examiner-In-Chief
Administrative Patent Judge
Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Source: Pumphrey Funeral Homes

Hon. Samuel Hermann Blech
Examiner-In-Chief
Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Source: findagrave.com

Hon. Douglas W. Robinson
Administrative Patent Judge
Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Hon. Stanley M. Urynowicz, Jr.
Administrative Patent Judge
Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Source: Washington Post

Hon. Paul Joseph Henon, Jr.
Examiner-in-Chief
Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Source: Legacy.com

Hon. Harrison E. McCandlish
Administrative Patent Judge
Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Source: The Washington Times

Hon. John Francis Gonzales
Administrative Patent Judge
Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Source: Times-Picayune

Hon. Evelyn K. Merker
Examiner-in-Chief
Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Source: Legacy

Hon. A Donald Messenheimer
Examiner-in-Chief
Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Source: findagrave.com

Hon. Jerry Smith
Administrative Patent Judge
Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Source: Washington Post 

Hon. Elizabeth C. Weimar
Administrative Patent Judge
Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Sources: American University Law Review | findagrave.com | Washington Post

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