"As an IP attaché, I got to meet many people from different countries virtually or in person, and I worked on a variety of projects that gave me a strong sense of personal value and accomplishment."
A dynamic career at the USPTO
Kitisri's career at the United States Patent and Trademark Office is a dynamic one. She transitioned back to her current role as a Patent Attorney in the Office of Policy and International Affairs (OPIA) in October 2021, after decades of career accomplishments, including serving as the Regional IP attaché for Southeast Asia in Bangkok, Thailand.
Early on, Kitisri's love of learning and self-growth led her to earn her B.A., M.S., and Ph.D. in scientific fields. But she didn’t stop there–she also holds a J.D.
Her impressive background in both law and science first led her to work at the USPTO in 2007, where she first served as a patent attorney in the Office of Policy and International Affairs. In that role, Kitisri had the honor, she says, of serving for about 10 years as the U.S. Representative to the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV), an intergovernmental organization based in Geneva. She was also elected to three-year terms as the Vice President and then President of the UPOV Council, and was awarded a gold medal from the organization.
It was while working as a patent attorney in OPIA that Kitisri gained familiarity with attachés in many regions and came to understand their dynamic responsibilities and impact on the IP community. As a person who constantly seeks new challenges and opportunities for growth, becoming an IP attaché was the perfect next career opportunity that allowed Kitisri to stay at the USPTO.
Kitisri severed for four years as the Regional IP attaché for Southeast Asia in Bangkok, Thailand, before returning to her OPIA Patent Attorney role in order to be closer to family.
A depth of knowledge, a breadth of diplomacy needed
Kitisri's favorite part of working as an IP attaché was the opportunity to develop and successfully execute work plans with support from local staff, who she describes as "hardworking and fun."
Working in Bangkok, Thailand, during COVID-19 pandemic restrictions required constant adjustment to comply with mandates from the U.S. Embassy Bangkok and the host-government. "During the U.S. Embassy's COVID-19 restrictions, I had a virtual meeting with the team every day to keep everyone focused and to stay positive," she remarks.
In her former role, Kitisri provided advice and recommendations about challenging intellectual property (IP) issues to a wide range of IP stakeholders, including U.S. agencies, foreign IP offices, intergovernmental organizations, U.S. companies, and rights owners.
She also held meetings with government officials or stakeholders in the Southeast Asia region and conducted bilateral and regional trainings. Kitisri also lead or attended in-person programs and meetings in the office or elsewhere in Bangkok—when permitted and with health safety precautions in place.
“There was no typical day,” says Kitisri, “but I always had a sense that my work was important and impactful. I got to meet many people from different countries, and work on a variety of projects that gave me a strong sense of personal value and accomplishment.”
What’s the number one skill Kitisri drew upon as an IP attaché? “You must be knowledgeable,” she says, “because you have to confidently advise people, like providing legal information to U.S. companies and industries who want to invest in the region.”
She emphasizes that learning about the laws of different countries and the nuances of how they are implemented was key to effectively responding to inquiries from multiple agencies and stakeholders.
Representing the USPTO
“The USPTO values the culture of diversity and employs people of different backgrounds. When I say I am from the USPTO, I am recognized as being from a respectable organization,” Kitisri says.
While Kitisri’s depth of knowledge about IP and the Southeast Asia region were necessary to her former and current role, her patient, sage approach to diplomacy was a distinguishing factor in her efforts.
“Hone your diplomatic skills,” she says. “Treat everyone with respect. This leads to better access and better cooperation, particularly with foreign officials. You also need to be patient and persistent because most IP issues are difficult, and people move at their own pace. Success will come sooner or later if you are persistent.”
World-class experiences and accomplishments
Being an IP Attaché was challenging, but also extraordinarily rewarding. The career accomplishment Kitisri is most proud of is her decade-long work with Thai governmental agencies in improving its IP environment to better protect the IP rights of innovators before and after it was moved from the United States Trade Representative (USTR) Special 301 Priority Watch List to Watch List in 2017. The government of Thailand took an “all-government” approach in coordinating IP protection and enforcement.
Thai creators, inventors, and businesses are gaining a better understanding and appreciation of IP, and are increasingly supportive of stronger IP protection and enforcement. Kitisri’s diligent work to protect American intellectual property in Thailand led to increased government enforcement of online piracy laws, and the removal of illegal website content and illegally streamed movies.
Now that she has returned from Thailand, Kitisri is focusing more on international policy rather than IP training and public awareness. She is enjoying this IP policy work, particularly relating to plant patents and plant variety protection.
Kitisri’s hard work and devotion to the protection and support of IP rights in both local and global contexts makes her a true representative of the USPTO’s mission.