SEARCH SITE
VIRGINIA LAW PORTAL
- Code of Virginia
- Virginia Administrative Code
- Constitution of Virginia
- Charters
- Authorities
- Compacts
- Uncodified Acts
- RIS Users (account required)
SEARCHABLE DATABASES
- Bills & Resolutions
session legislation - Bill Summaries
session summaries - Reports to the General Assembly
House and Senate documents - Legislative Liaisons
State agency contacts
ACROSS SESSIONS
- Subject Index: Since 1995
- Bills & Resolutions: Since 1994
- Summaries: Since 1994
Developed and maintained by the Division of Legislative Automated Systems.
2012 SESSION
WHEREAS, Margaret A. Focarino was appointed Commissioner of Patents of the United States Patent and Trademark Office in January 2012; and
WHEREAS, a graduate of the State University of New York-Oswego, Margaret “Peggy” Focarino began her career with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) in 1977 as the only female patent examiner; and
WHEREAS, Peggy Focarino earned a certificate in Advanced Public Management from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University and rose through the USPTO ranks, eventually becoming Deputy Commissioner for Patents; and
WHEREAS, Peggy Focarino has made numerous contributions to the USPTO during her tenure, leading key e-commerce initiatives that have resulted in tens of millions of dollars in savings and the creation of more efficient and effective processes; and
WHEREAS, Peggy Focarino played a pivotal role in the USPTO’s latest expansion by developing innovative training programs such as the Patent Training Academy, which serves as a model for other intellectual property offices, and expanding the number of telecommuting employees; and
WHEREAS, Peggy Focarino has served as the USPTO’s chief negotiator on several important contracts and has also overseen the administration of international projects related to the Patent Cooperation Treaty; and
WHEREAS, in 2010 Peggy Focarino received the United States Department of Commerce Silver Medal for her work leading a joint union and management task force and was the recipient of American University’s School of Public Affairs Roger W. Jones Award for Executive Leadership for her effectiveness in organizational performance and development of employees; and
WHEREAS, an exemplary public servant, Peggy Focarino looks forward to continuing to advance the USPTO’s mission with her characteristic resolve, initiative, and creativity; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Margaret A. Focarino on her appointment as Commissioner of Patents for the United States Patent and Trademark Office; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Margaret A. Focarino as an expression of the General Assembly’s congratulations and admiration for her many accomplishments.