What happens if there is a vacancy in the Deputy Director position?
In the event of a vacancy in the Deputy Director position, the MPEP provides a clear procedure:
“If there is a vacancy in the position of Deputy Director of the USPTO, decisions on these petitions will be signed by the Director of the USPTO.”
This ensures continuity in the decision-making process for important petitions and appeals, with the Director of the USPTO stepping in to fulfill the Deputy Director’s responsibilities in their absence.
To learn more: