Michelle K. Lee is a distinguished technology and intellectual property expert, best known for her role as the former Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). She is the first woman to have held this position and a leading authority on innovation, intellectual property law, and the challenges of a rapidly changing technological landscape.

As the head of the USPTO, Lee oversaw an agency with over 12,000 employees and a budget of over $3 billion. During her tenure, she was a champion for modernizing the patent system, streamlining processes, and fostering an environment that encouraged innovation. Her work was a direct response to the new challenges presented by a global, technology-driven economy. Prior to her government role, Lee had a successful career in Silicon Valley, where she served as Deputy General Counsel for Google and was a founding member of Google's patent group. Her experience at Google gave her a firsthand understanding of how intellectual property drives innovation and economic growth.

Lee’s career is a unique blend of public service, corporate leadership, and a deep technical background. She holds a master's degree in electrical engineering and a law degree from Stanford University, giving her a multifaceted perspective on technology policy. She is a strong advocate for encouraging women and minorities to pursue careers in STEM and for creating a more inclusive innovation ecosystem.

As a speaker, Michelle K. Lee provides a clear and authoritative perspective on the intersection of law, technology, and innovation. She shares insights from her career at the USPTO and Google, offering a guide to the future of intellectual property and its role in a global economy. Her talks are invaluable for leaders, innovators, and policymakers who want to understand the importance of intellectual property, innovation strategy, and the challenges of protecting ideas in a digital age.