First, we lost our bid to win one of the NASA Space Shuttles (though we did pick up the consolation prize delivered this weekend). Now, another federal agency is snubbing Seattle.
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office today announced three new satellite offices, choosing Dallas, Denver and Silicon Valley. Seattle put on the hard sell earlier this year when David Kappos, director of the patent office, spoke at the University of Washington. At the time, Kappos said that he had received 54 proposals from various cities wanting the new branches.
“I find myself now in the unfortunate position of feeling like I am going to make two friends, and 52 enemies,” Kappos said.
The new offices, in addition to a previously announced satellite in an old Stroh’s brewery in Detroit, marks the first geographic expansion by the patent office in more than 200 years. In a press release today, Kappos called it a historic expansion and one that would add new jobs to the innovation economy.
Added Acting U.S. Commerce Secretary Rebecca Blank: “The Obama administration is committed to making certain our businesses and entrepreneurs have the resources they need to grow, create jobs and compete globally. These new offices are an historic step toward further advancing our world’s best IP system, and reinforcing the United States as the number one destination for innovation capital, and research and development around the world.”
Full release here.
