C4IP is launching a new Q&A series to periodically spotlight the insights and interests of our coalition’s leaders and other prominent IP advocates. In March, we caught up with our new Chief Operating Officer, John Cabeca. From global IP dynamics to policy roadblocks to favorite places he’s visited — John shares his thoughts below:
C4IP: What first drew you to the IP space?
John: That was a long time ago, but it was sheer luck. I first learned about IP when a friend of mine from college shared my resume with her supervisor at the USPTO for a patent examiner vacancy. I got the job. That was in 1989. The USPTO turned out to be a great place to work, and I ended up working there for over 35 years (not surprisingly, my college friend is still there!). Working on patents opened a curiosity in me to learn more about all aspects of IP, which quickly evolved into a dynamic and fulfilling career working as a senior leader across the IP ecosystem.
C4IP: You’ve worked extensively on IP issues at the regional, national, and international levels for over three decades. How have your varied experiences at the USPTO — including as an IP attaché — shaped your perspective on global innovation and IP rights?
John: I am very fortunate to have had a career filled with unique opportunities and experiences that have broadened my perspectives on IP. I’ve had the privilege of serving as Chief of Staff for the USPTO Under Secretary, launching and leading the USPTO’s regional office in Silicon Valley, contributing to trade negotiations with the USTR, engaging with members of Congress on IP reforms, and being appointed as an IP diplomat in the most populous region in the world. These experiences reaffirmed for me the critical importance of strong IP systems, their relationship to trade and the economy, and the need to protect IP globally. I have also spent decades working at the heart of American ingenuity with independent inventors and startups. Given the critical role they play in advancing technologies and contributing to a country’s economic growth and stability, I’m convinced that a balanced approach to IP policies is absolutely essential. This means fostering an IP system that embraces creativity, levels the playing field, and incentivizes innovation without stifling it.
C4IP: What do you see as the biggest challenge facing the IP policy space today? Is there a common misconception about IP that makes addressing it more difficult?
John: Expanding on my earlier comment, maintaining balance in our IP system is important for so many reasons. In recent years, however, targeted approaches to offset that balance threaten to harm our system, which ultimately harms our economy. For example, efforts to oversimplify complex patent law with catchy terms intentionally aim to confuse the public and misinform lawmakers to seek reforms that ultimately weaken patent rights and cripple innovators’ ability to defend against IP theft. To the extent practicable, balance on IP is also needed throughout the world. Harmonizing IP systems globally is important, not only for the sake of protecting innovation but also for its contribution to economic growth and the strengthening of international relationships.
C4IP: What excites you most about joining C4IP?
John: I joined C4IP because I firmly stand behind its mission and its drive to keep IP rights strong and enforceable. This should be no surprise given the two Chairmen of the Board are pillars of the intellectual property community, David Kappos and Andrei Iancu. Having worked closely with both of them when they were at the helm of the USPTO during their respective tenures as Under Secretary, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity and privilege to work with them again. I also value the chance to collaborate with the exceptional C4IP team and our top-notch board, members, and advisors. We have a lot of work to do if we are going to stem the tide of those who seek to weaken our IP system.
C4IP: If you could have lunch with any inventor — past or present — who would it be and why?
John: I have been honored to meet many prolific inventors and National Inventors Hall of Fame inductees over the years, so I’ll pick one from the past – Leonardo da Vinci. I believe da Vinci epitomizes the ‘left brain/right brain’ concept as a master in both art and science. While I am no master, I am often told I possess left/right brain traits. The conversation over lunch would surely be interesting, but I’d like to think we would both enjoy the process of making the lunch more than actually sitting down to eat it.
C4IP: What has been your favorite place to visit, and what’s the best piece of travel advice you’ve ever received?
John: Take the spiritual journey. Whether you are in India experiencing the Aarti fire ceremony at dusk on the banks of the Ganges or circling the Golden Temple under a full moon, or off exploring the beautifully ornate cathedrals, mosques, and temples across Asia, Europe and the Middle East, even if you aren’t looking for it, you will find inspiration. While it’s difficult to name one place that stands out for me, completing the challenging trek to Bhutan’s Tiger’s Nest high in the Himalayas came with a great sense of accomplishment and further deepened this sense of peace, reflection, and shared humanity.
C4IP: What’s a fun fact about you that most people might not know?
John: My first job during High School was with a family friend who was also a master craftsman working on a large-scale project. I spent the summer helping to build a plaster replica of the Great Seal of the United States and large colonial columns for installation in the Benjamin Franklin Diplomatic Dining Room at the State Department. I always felt very connected to this room, and even though I have been in the State Department building many times throughout my career, I never had the chance to see it in person. Nearly 40 years later, I was at the State Department again, this time as a diplomat about to depart to India as the IP Counselor for South Asia. The team surprised me with a private tour of the dining room. That was a full circle moment for me – envisioning the amazing diplomatic events and conversations that happen in that room, to following in my father’s footsteps as a diplomat, embarking halfway across the world in support of my country.