David Gooder is set to step down as commissioner for trademarks in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office at the conclusion of his five-year term on Feb. 28.
USPTO said Monday Dan Vavonese, the current deputy commissioner for trademark operations, will take over the role in an acting capacity.
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David Gooder
Gooder oversaw significant changes during his tenure, including the retirement of the 40-year-old Trademark Reporting and Monitoring, or TRAM, system and the establishment of the Register Protection Office to boost anti-fraud efforts. He was also instrumental in effectively reducing first action pendency by two months during the pandemic.
Before joining USPTO, Gooder worked at Jack Daniel’s Properties as the founding managing director and chief trademark counsel. In his over 20 years at the company, he contributed to the growth of its distilled spirits and wine brands portfolio. He oversaw the global intellectual property program and was responsible for the company’s trademark portfolio, rights clearance, brand protection, anti-counterfeiting, licensing and entertainment deals.
Coke Morgan Stewart, acting director of the USPTO, said of Gooder, “His service to America’s brand owners has helped the U.S. trademark system remain the global standard for excellence.”
Dan Vavonese
The incoming acting commissioner for trademarks will be responsible for all facets of the trademarks organization, including policy development, petition handling, operations, register protection and administration. In his current role, Vavonese oversees the Trademark Law Offices and Trademark Services including over 900 personnel in charge of trademark examination, registration and maintenance.
The executive has been with USPTO for almost 30 years, having joined in 1995 as a trademark examining attorney. He has since held a wide range of leadership positions including senior attorney, managing attorney, business architect for trademarks and group director of the trademark law offices.
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