This is an archived page. Russell Lopez performed the functions and duties of the Chief Communications Officer until May 2023. View a current list of USPTO executives and their biographies on the Executive committee webpage.
Russell Lopez is the Chief Communications Officer of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). He is responsible for the development and implementation of strategic communications for the USPTO in coordination with the U.S. Department of Commerce and the White House, and he supports and advises the Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the USPTO.
Prior to joining the USPTO, Mr. Lopez served as communications director for the California State Lottery, a position to which he was appointed by Governor Jerry Brown. He began his 18 years of California public service as a senior deputy press secretary for Governor Gray Davis. After that, Mr. Lopez worked as communications director in the offices of state senators who chaired the committees of Public Safety, Health and Human Services, and Education. He also served as communications director for the Office of the State Controller.
Before his career as a public servant, Mr. Lopez worked for a decade as an anchor/reporter for several California TV stations. His expertise includes messaging, public affairs, communications strategy, risk assessment, mass communication, social media, and video storytelling.
Mr. Lopez is a native South Texan and a graduate of the University of Missouri, where he received a bachelor’s degree in journalism and broadcast news.