Bode Fagbohunka
Bowie,MD
Summary
Senior USPTO leader directing patent information resources, automation, and large-scale telework/IT operations; trusted change agent partnering with OIPM/OCIO and cross-office stakeholders. Proven results in modernizing patent tools and processes, driving policy and workflow improvements, and leading large, multi-disciplinary teams that support 10,000+ employees and external applicants. Deep patent process knowledge (private-sector prosecution and USPTO operations) with a track record in sequence-listing compliance, prior art support, publication pipelines, and examiner enablement. Strong business/technical acumen: transformation initiatives, cloud/AI integrations, product adoption, security/compliance, and data-driven decision making.
Experienced with strategic planning and project management. Utilizes leadership skills to drive team performance and operational excellence. Track record of delivering high-impact results through innovative problem-solving and effective communication.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director
Office of Patent Information Resources (OPIR), USPTO
08.2019 - Current
- Lead four divisions serving the Patents organization: Automation Training Services; Collaboration, Communications & Web Services; Digital Media Services; and Patent Telework Business Administration.
- Telework operations: Supported >10,000 patent employees on telework (≈98% participation); created SATP; integrated with PTES; developed equipment provisioning/tracking; onboarded 500+ new hires remotely; improved PTES performance and reimbursement security.
- Communications/marketing: Directed internal/external announcements and Patent Alerts for AIS tools and DOCX; produced instructional videos to drive adoption.
- Data, security, and governance: Established systems security plans and privacy thresholds; developed DAM; ensured compliance with cybersecurity baselines; migrated MAC-originated media to approved storage.
- Results: Processed 4,000+ telework/equipment requests in 50 days; reduced ISP claim rejection rate 54%→12% and processing time to 5–7 days; sustained enterprise briefings and stakeholder engagement.
Acting Director (SES Level)
Office of Information Technology for Patents (USPTO)
07.2022 - 08.2022
- Provide strategic leadership and oversight of automation technologies, e-commerce products, information resources, and customer support for internal and global IP stakeholders.
- Guide delivery of IT capabilities to the examining corps and patent support organizations, including cloud migrations, AI integrations, electronic filing/management, and patent publication systems.
- Champion change management and adoption through training, transition guides, and communications; contribute to policies and methods for enterprise IT solutions.
Supervisory IT Program Manager (Acting Division Chief)
Patent Telework Business Administration (USPTO)
04.2019 - 08.2019
- Administered patent telework programs (~9,000 employees); managed complex, precedent-setting issues and cross-organizational coordination; established concepts and approaches for scaling.
Division Chief
Centralized Services Division; Electronic Information Center (STIC, USPTO)
10.2012 - 04.2019
- CSD: Oversaw sequence listing compliance (ST.25→ST.26 transition readiness), translations, and foreign patent information services; coordinated with OPLA/OIPLA/OPAP/TCs; ran sequence publication exports and QC for pre-grant and issued patents; created records retention policy and cataloging system for 177,000+ disks/CDs—freeing significant space and enabling remote management.
- EIC: Managed prior art search support for 8,000+ examiners; led contract oversight (IRIS/ASRC Defense) and 52 ITRPs desktop support; directed Search Strategy Experts; negotiated translations contracts; opened Detroit satellite office support; conducted USPTO-wide survey (>1,000 responses) and implemented service improvements.
- Acting STIC Director (details in 2014–2015): Implemented full-time telework pilot; fostered organizational change aligned with strategic goals.
Supervisory Technical Information Specialist
STIC
01.2008 - 01.2012
- Led EIC services, web content, and examiner training/outreach.
Education
MBA -
Keller Graduate School of Management, DeVry University
M.Eng. - Electrical & Electromagnetic Engineering with Industrial Applications
University of Wales, College of Cardiff
B.Eng. (Hons) - Electrical & Electronics
Liverpool John Moores University
Skills
- Leading Change: Co-led ST26 transition readiness (STIC/OCIO) and explored ST25→ST26 conversion paths; led patent IT Transformation and Modernization communications campaign; supported DOCX rollout (alerts, how-to video); spearheaded redesign of USPTO patent landing/secondary pages and coordinated review of 2,400 web pages
- Leading People: Directed STIC divisions (EIC, CSD), foreign patent search/translation programs, and vendor partnerships; launched Detroit satellite office support; ran STIC’s first USPTO-wide survey (>1,000 examiners) and actioned improvements; built cross-unit working groups and help desks
- Results Driven: Created and implemented the Situational Ad-hoc Telework Program (SATP) and onboarding at pandemic onset; processed 4,000 equipment/telework requests in 50 days (329% YoY); implemented PTES enhancements (query time 8s→4s, improved ISP upload/reimbursement security); reduced ISP reimbursement rejection 54%→12% and cycle time 90 days→5–7 days
- Business Acumen: MBA; architected modernization of STIC workflow tracking (precursor to SWFT); led agency-wide URL update initiative; instituted “Innovation Hub” for piloting MS Power tools, data visualization, and learning innovations; managed budgets, contracts, and policy alignment
- Building Coalitions: Frequent briefings to executives; led OPIM marketing/communications for internal/external tools and Patent Alerts; sustained partnerships with OPLA, OIPLA, OPAP, OCIO, TCs, unions, Records Management, and external vendors to achieve enterprise outcomes
- Managing staff in the patent process: Led S3C and biotech sequence compliance reviewers; unified interpretation/application of 37 CFR sequence rules across TCs (1600/1700/2800/3700), OPLA/OIPLA, and OPAP; standardized form paragraphs and help-desk scripts to deliver consistent Office Actions and applicant guidance
- Developing/implementing IP policies/programs: Consolidated and expanded telework policies; created SATP and integrated into PTES; scaled training and communications; set up governance for digital media/DAM and cybersecurity compliance; developed record-retention policy and system for 177,000 legacy biosequence media
- Conflict resolution: Co-led multi-pronged ISP reimbursement remediation (training, lunch-and-learns, reasoned rejections, 1:1 support, reviewer authority to correct minor defects) with CFO team and unions—clearing backlogs and restoring SLA performance
- Scientific/technical/legal leadership: Private-sector patent prosecution (e-commerce/electrical) and validity/infringement studies; oversaw sequence data pipelines for pre-grant publications and issued patents; represented STIC on biotech automated systems (SCORE/AWG); modernized records processes consistent with legal retention requirements
Certification
- Registered Patent Agent (USPTO)
- COTR Level III
- Program Management, Master’s Certificate
- FEI training: Management Development & Leading Organizations
Timeline
Acting Director (SES Level)
Office of Information Technology for Patents (USPTO)
07.2022 - 08.2022
Director
Office of Patent Information Resources (OPIR), USPTO
08.2019 - Current
Supervisory IT Program Manager (Acting Division Chief)
Patent Telework Business Administration (USPTO)
04.2019 - 08.2019
Division Chief
Centralized Services Division; Electronic Information Center (STIC, USPTO)
10.2012 - 04.2019
Supervisory Technical Information Specialist
STIC
01.2008 - 01.2012
M.Eng. - Electrical & Electromagnetic Engineering with Industrial Applications
University of Wales, College of Cardiff
B.Eng. (Hons) - Electrical & Electronics
Liverpool John Moores University
MBA -
Keller Graduate School of Management, DeVry University
Professional Focus
Technology Center leadership; patent process excellence; enterprise IT/product modernization; stakeholder communications; policy and program development; data-driven operations