Intellectual Property Law

Seattle's Gary Locke May Become New Commerce Secretary

By Michael Atkins

Seattle’s own Gary Locke may become Commerce secretary, the AP writes today.

That would put Washington’s former two-term Democratic governor in charge of the Patent and Trademark Office. Or at least in charge of the folks who are in charge. 

It would be nice to have an attorney serving in that capacity. Gov. Locke is a longtime member of the Washington State bar. After leaving public service in 2005, he has been partner at a Seattle-based firm focusing on China, energy, and government relations.

Seattle is already making quite an imprint on the Obama White House. In the last few weeks, Pres. Obama tapped King County Executive Ron Sims to be Deputy Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, and former Seattle Police Chief Norm Stamper to be drug czar.

Congratulations, Gov. Locke! Let’s hope for a speedy confirmation.

Photo credit: The Seattle Times

Full post as published by Seattle Trademark Lawyer on February 23, 2009 (boomark / email).