Lee Abruptly Resigns as PTO Director

Patent and Trademark Office Director Michelle Lee resigned Tuesday, an administration source confirmed, and later, the Department of Commerce confirmed. Lee didn't indicate the reason for her abrupt departure in an email sent to all PTO employees that began circulating at our deadline. “I am tremendously proud of all that we have accomplished together” since Lee took the reins at PTO in 2014, she said. "I am confident that the leadership team in place will serve you well during this transition." The Senate confirmed Lee the next year (see 1503100031). Lee's resignation followed PTO's belated March confirmation that President Donald Trump planned to retain her as the office's director, after months of uncertainty over her status (see 1701190046 and 703290072). The White House didn't comment.