Ending weeks of rumors, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has located its next leader: former Google attorney Michelle Lee, who currently heads the nascent PTO branch in Silicon Valley.

Lee will start as deputy director Jan. 13, and because the top slot is currently vacant, she will immediately assume the functions and duties of the USPTO director. John Cabeca, a senior adviser at the agency who specialized in semiconductor IP, will succeed her in the Valley outpost.