U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Director Kathi Vidal announced her departure from the agency to return to the private sector, a move reminiscent of his predecessor Andrei Iancu's transition before Joe Biden's inauguration.

Deputy Director Derrick Brent will assume leadership in mid-December. Vidal's tenure was marked by significant activity, including the implementation of new rules and frequent Director Review sua sponte. She also shared plans to establish a new USPTO chapter for the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors Act known as CHIPS.