The Consumer Technology Association (CTA) has joined with more than 50 trade associations, advocacy groups and companies representing a broad swath of the American economy to express their support to President Trump and Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross for Michelle Lee's continued leadership as director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

"We have been very pleased with the leadership of Director Lee, who has been committed to making sure that the USPTO creates the maximum economic benefit for American inventors and businesses," the letter reads. "She has been able to expertly balance the needs and interests of all the stakeholders within the very diverse community that the USPTO serves. We believe that the American economy would greatly benefit from her continued leadership, or the leadership of a USPTO director committed to the priorities she has instituted and championed."

"Our economy cannot thrive without a strong patent system and continuity in leadership and vision within the USPTO," said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, CTA. "A change in leadership at this critical time could undo the progress the USPTO has made under Director Lee's leadership and send a chilling effect to the innovators, entrepreneurs and industries at the heart of our economy. The programs that Director Lee championed at the USPTO have made our patent system stronger and more efficient. Her continued service as USPTO director would be of significant benefit to our economy."

Among the associations and companies joining CTA on the letter: Adobe Systems, Inc.; Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers; Amazon.com, Inc.; Boingo Wireless, Inc.; Cisco Systems, Inc.; Dell, Inc.; Engine; Facebook; Foursquare; Google, Inc.; Intel Corporation; Kickstarter; National Association of Realtors; National Retail Federation; Verizon; and VIZIO.

To view the letter, click here.