Lawmakers support Bush's choice to head the Patent and Trademark Office

Senate Judiciary Committee members on Wednesday signaled their support for Rep. James Rogan, President Bush's choice to head the Patent and Trademark Office. Senators called on Rogan, if confirmed, to pursue full funding for PTO. Some lawmakers have expressed concern that the PTO is underfunded because some of the fees it collects are diverted to other programs. Rogan said whoever heads PTO "is going to have to work very hard first to see that we have the resources to hire and retain" experienced patent examiners, and he said the administration is committed to making sure PTO can do its job. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., said that as a former member of Congress, Rogan would be in a "unique position" to lobby congressional appropriators for more PTO resources.