Dan Venne is a Primary Examiner in Art Unit 3617 who has worked at the USPTO since 2006. He is also a retired officer of the United States Coast Guard, with over 22 years of service on Active Duty and in the Reserves. Originally from rural Plattsburgh, New York, he grew up on a family farm in the heart of the Adirondacks. After college he attended and graduated from Coast Guard Officer Candidate School in Yorktown, Virginia, and embarked on his Coast Guard career.

Dan joined the Coast Guard out of a desire to serve his country and because of his interest in law enforcement and maritime safety. His best memories are of serving with fellow “Coasties” as a marine inspector and engineer.

“Since working here I’m glad to have been able to help two additional sea service Veterans (one Navy and one Coast Guard) come aboard as examiners,” Dan said. “I also help mentor another Navy Veteran in my Art Unit now as one of his signing primaries. I’m happy to support the UMA and it’s great to see the USPTO hire so many veterans.”

The mission of the UMA, or USPTO Military Association, is to provide fellowship, mentorship, and advocacy for military veterans working at the USPTO, and to help educate others on the important contributions that veterans have made – and continue to make – to the workforce and our nation. For more information about the UMA, visit their website or Facebook page.

UMA membership is open to all USPTO employees, veterans and non-veterans alike. If you are interested in joining, please contact uma@uspto.gov.