Executive Session

Floor Speech

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Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, today the Senate will vote on two
nominees charged with important responsibilities in the enforcement of
our Nation's intellectual property laws.

The first is Daniel Marti, who is nominated to become Intellectual
Property Enforcement Coordinator in the Executive Office of the
President.

The second is Michelle Lee, who is nominated to become the next Under
Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

The United States is a world leader in the innovation of cutting-edge
technologies and products that improve our daily lives. Importantly,
the United States' economy, indeed every industry, relies heavily on
intellectual property.

Because intellectual property rights are critical to the Nation's
economic well-being, we need strong and capable leaders at the helm of
the offices that deal with patents, trademarks and copyrights. And
because the top positions at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and
the Office of the Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator have
been vacant for quite some time, I am pleased that we are able to fill
them today with two highly qualified candidates.

Mr. Marti and Ms. Lee have proven track records in the field of
intellectual property law and are well respected by the intellectual
property community.

Their experience and expertise are of the caliber required for their
respective positions. I believe they are excellent candidates for these
positions, and I will support their nominations.

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