Peter C. Pappas founded Innovation Strategies in September 2013, after serving as the Chief of Staff of the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office for four years under Director David Kappos.  With over 20 years of experience in Washington – at senior levels of government and as a senior executive at one of the nation’s leading privately held broadcasting companies, Peter has developed and implemented high-stakes policy initiatives and strategies for the firm’s clients.

Peter is a seasoned results-oriented executive, legal and policy advisor and thought leader, with expertise in intellectual property and telecom issues.  His firm advises leading companies and innovative startups on patent reform, USPTO policies and practices, copyright, trademark and telecom issues, and trade secrets legislation. Leveraging his experience as a policy advisor, former senior government official and media executive, he assists clients in developing winning strategies to manage complex issues and achieve their goals. 

Peter served as Chief of Staff and Chief Communications Officer for the UPSTO. He transformed the Agency’s public affairs machinery into an effective operation, increasing transparency and stakeholder relations. He was a core member of the USPTO team that helped secure passage of the 2011 America Invents Act. He then co-led the interagency team that developed the White House’s patent reform agenda for curbing abusive patent litigation and improving patent quality. 

Pappas has spoken and written extensively on IP policy issues, including coverage in Roll Call, The Hill, and National Law Journal. A recognized expert, he briefed members of Congress and has spoken before House and Senate committees. He is also senior advisor and board member of Engine Advocacy, a trade association that represents startups and supports technology entrepreneurship.