WASHINGTON (July 14, 2025) — Today, the Council for Innovation Promotion (C4IP) announced the appointment of two distinguished public servants and longtime intellectual property (IP) advocates to its Board: Governor Gary Locke and Congressman Lamar Smith.
“Without strong IP protections, inventors, creators, and businesses have little incentive to risk untold time and money in pursuit of new ideas and innovation. Strong protection of IP has enabled America’s scientists, entrepreneurs, and businesses to lead the world in the discovery of life-altering medicines, technologies, and products,” said Governor Locke. “I’m honored to join C4IP, which is committed to protecting and thus encouraging creativity and innovation.”
“I am pleased to join the Council for Innovation Promotion (C4IP) Board of Directors. I welcome the opportunity to help advance policies that support American innovation, creative output, and our domestic intellectual property system,” said Congressman Smith. “During my time in Congress, I was fortunate to be able to work on these issues and learn the critically important role intellectual property plays in driving innovation, economic growth, global competitiveness, and domestic job creation. I look forward to working with my fellow board members to ensure our nation continues to be the world leader in innovation and creative output.”
Gary Locke is the former Governor of Washington, U.S. Secretary of Commerce, and U.S. Ambassador to China.
Lamar Smith is the former U.S. Representative for Texas’s 21st congressional district, where he served as Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee.
Governor Locke and Congressman Smith join an experienced board, including two former directors of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and two former judges of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.
“During my time at the USPTO, I saw firsthand the enduring impact of Congressman Smith’s legislative vision and Governor Locke’s leadership at the Department of Commerce on U.S. innovation policy,” said Andrei Iancu, board co-chair of C4IP and former USPTO director under President Trump. “From advancing landmark patent reform to promoting IP protections in international trade, their efforts helped lay the foundation for a stronger, more resilient American innovation economy. I’m thrilled to welcome them to C4IP’s Board as we continue championing policies that support America’s innovation ecosystem.”
“Governor Locke and Congressman Smith bring unparalleled experience and a pragmatic, forward-looking approach to IP policymaking,” said David Kappos, board co-chair of C4IP and former USPTO director under President Obama. “As Commerce Secretary during my tenure at the USPTO, Governor Locke was a forceful advocate for global IP enforcement, while Congressman Smith played a central role in shaping patent legislation that continues to support America’s innovation leadership, notably the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act of 2011. Their guidance will help carry forward C4IP’s mission by driving smart, bipartisan IP reforms that strengthen our nation’s innovation ecosystem.”
More information about each board member can be found here.
About Council for Innovation Promotion: The Council for Innovation Promotion is a bipartisan coalition dedicated to promoting strong and effective intellectual property rights that drive innovation, boost economic competitiveness, and improve lives everywhere.