Takeaway: President Trump has nominated John Squires, former chief IP counsel at Goldman Sachs, to be the next director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, with his nomination now referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee.

President Donald Trump has nominated John Squires, the former chief intellectual property counsel at Goldman Sachs, to serve as the next director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Squires, who is currently a partner at Dilworth Paxson LLP, was instrumental in building Goldman Sachs’ IP practice and has held key roles at firms like Chadbourne & Parke LLP, Perkins Coie LLP, and Gibson Dunn & Crutcher LLP. The nomination, which was referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee, follows a competitive selection process, with Squires reportedly beating out several other candidates. If confirmed, he will replace acting director Coke Morgan Stewart.