Panel approves nominee for PTO chief

The Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday swiftly approved by voice vote IBM Assistant General Counsel David Kappos to become director of the Patent and Trademark Office and undersecretary for intellectual property at the Commerce Department.

Floor action on his nomination could be possible before members depart for the August recess.

"We will work to get an agreement to consider the nomination and hope to do so soon," a leadership aide said. Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., will likely try to pass a number of pending nominees as members target adjournment on Thursday evening, but it remains unclear whether Kappos will be on the list.

In a written statement, Judiciary Chairman Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., emphasized the importance of getting a PTO director in place quickly. "The PTO needs strong and accountable leadership," he said, noting the agency's growing backlog of patent applications and economic woes.

Leahy said he also looked forward to working with Kappos on a bill he introduced in March that would overhaul the U.S. patent system.