Obama Nominates Espinel for IP Czar

President Barack Obama has nominated Victoria A. Espinel to be the first U.S. Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator. The position, which has popularly become known as the IP Czar, was created by the Prioritizing Resources and Organization for Intellectual Property Act of 2008 (PRO-IP Act) to enhance remedies for violations of intellectual property laws, among other purposes. The author of the PRO-IP Act, Senator Patrick Leahy (D.-Vt.), praised Ms. Espinel, saying, "Intellectual property is among our most valuable and most vulnerable assets. I believe Ms. Espinel's experience will prove valuable...and I look forward to working with her and the administration to strengthen and enforce the laws protecting our intellectual property."

Most recently Ms. Espinel was a visiting assistant professor at George Mason University School of Law. Her appointment still requires Congressional approval.