“My coworkers create a safe space for asking questions, having discussions, and learning. The work environment is full of friendly, supportive, intelligent people who are passionate about the subject matter.”
A love for trademark law
Komal’s appreciation for diversity and creativity in thought developed early. Born in Pakistan, Komal moved to the United States in high school, later graduating from Virginia Tech. This one-time Himalayan Mountains hiker expressed a passion for trademark law during graduate studies; her end-of-year writing assignment in law school at Hofstra University focused on the impact of counterfeit products on funding for international terrorism and cemented her desire to work in trademarks after graduation. After interning with a trademarks-specific boutique firm after law school, Komal worked at several small law firms in various areas of law before attending informational and networking events at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). She’s glad to be working in trademarks because she “never stopped loving the subject matter,” she shares.
A culture of learning
As a trademark examining attorney, Komal reviews incoming trademark applications, ensures necessary corrections are made, and communicates with applicants and their representatives. She admits the work can be challenging but accepts that “any trademark attorney’s career path must involve grit, resilience, and growth.” Komal believes that good listening skills, openness to feedback, and a willingness to learn from peers are essential characteristics for success as a trademark examining attorney, and these peer interactions have been one of her favorite aspects of the work.
“My coworkers create a safe space for asking questions, having discussions, and learning,” she says. “The work environment is full of friendly, supportive, intelligent people who are passionate about the subject matter.”
She also enjoys learning about a variety of industry products and prides herself on being “among the hardest working people in the room at any time, never compromising quality over quantity.” Her work ethic and commitment to excellence have been rewarded with both an End of Year Quality Award and a Strategic Office Goal Award.
Finding balance at the USPTO
As a parent, Komal values the USPTO's telework options and takes advantage of the flexible schedule to spend time with her children in the mornings before school and evenings before bedtime. In addition to family time, she says, “The option to telework saves us time, energy, and money on lengthy commutes, packing lunches, and parking.”
Four years into her current role, Komal already plans to work at the USPTO until retirement and advises those looking to join the agency to “apply to the job with an open mind and especially a willingness to learn. If you believe this is the path for you, keep refining your approach, look for mentorship and even volunteer opportunities, and get back on your feet if faced with rejection or disappointment.”