It’s still not certain whether U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Director Michelle Lee will continue in her role. Just as the USPTO confirmed she was, in fact, the director in a March 10 letter, reports surfaced that U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross is interviewing candidates to replace Lee.

Given the influence she has in shaping patent and trademark policies, in-house lawyers have a lot at stake—and a lot to say—on the subject.