Former Deputy Under Secretary of Commerce for IP, Deputy Director USPTO; Former Acting Under Secretary/Director
About me
Derrick Brent served as the Deputy Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Deputy Director United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) from 2022-2024, and Acting Under Secretary/Acting Director USPTO from 2024-25. In those roles, he managed a wide portfolio of programs and operations for one of the largest intellectual property (IP) offices in the world, with more than 14,000 employees and an annual budget of more than $4 billion. His responsibilities included leading the USPTO’s operations for the benefit of users and stakeholder; advancing IP law and policy for the benefit of American innovation and the economy; expanding the USPTO’s outreach efforts to incentivize and increase innovation and entrepreneurship nationwide; and executing the agency’s policies, priorities, and programs. His career includes vast public service and private sector work, including significant experience in IP law and work to assist entrepreneurs, startups increase innovation across the country.
Brent has served in all three branches of the federal government: executive, legislative, and judicial. He served for six years as Chief Counsel for Senator Barbara Boxer, where he was responsible for a broad portfolio that included IP and constitutional issues, civil rights, telecommunications, and judicial nominations. During his time in the Senate, Derrick was recognized as one of the most knowledgeable counsels on IP and a respected authority on 2011’s America Invents Act and other impactful legislative initiatives. In addition to his work in the Senate, Derrick clerked for the Hon. Algenon L. Marbley, Chief Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio. Also, he served six years as a Senior Trial Attorney at the U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division, where he received a Special Achievement Award for his trial work.
