July 10, 2012 > U.S. Patent Office to open in Silicon Valley U.S. Patent Office to open in Silicon Valley New office will protect region's intellectual property and innovation Submitted By Jeff Barbosa "The United States Department of Commerce's decision to open a regional U.S. patent and Trademark Office in Silicon Valley will boost the region's economy and its reputation for innovation," said Assemblyman Bob Wieckowski (D-Fremont). "California leads the nation in patent applications and Silicon Valley is the main reason why we hold that position," he added. "By having a patent and trademark office in Silicon Valley, our patent applications can be approved more quickly than in the past. This is a tremendous accomplishment for our business community and the Congressional delegation." After joining the Assembly in 2011, Wieckowski launched his "Made in California" Jobs Initiative to increase manufacturing in California, expand funding for biotech research, stimulate small business growth and streamline unnecessary regulations. "The decision is a testimony to our state's entrepreneurial spirit. The fact that there were more than 600 cities applying for a patent office and only three were chosen signifies our region's dynamism and creativity," Wieckowski said. "Whether it's biotech, social media or computer gaming or any number of other industries, Silicon Valley is a leader and the Department of Commerce could not have made a better selection." The department had previously announced Detroit as a location. In addition to Silicon Valley, it announced, on July 1, 2012, Dallas and Denver would also receive offices.