Laura Peter

Laura Peter is recognized by World IP Review as one of the most “Influential Women in IP,” Ms. Peter has practiced intellectual property law for over 25 years in leadership roles in the high technology industry. Laura is an intellectual property expert, and served as the Deputy Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Deputy Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). She was the principal advisor to the Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the USPTO, and responsible for all agency operations. This includes oversight for the four USPTO Regional Offices, managing 13,000 employees, and executing the policies, priorities and programs for an annual budget of $3.5 billion. She is an enthusiastic advocate and frequent speaker within IP Community on STEM, innovation diversity and intellectual property issues.

Laura received a Bachelor of Science in industrial engineering from Cornell University and a master's in public policy from the University of Chicago. She also holds a Juris Doctor from Santa Clara University School of Law and a Master of Law degree in international business law from King's College, University of London.