Michelle Lee, a former key lawyer for Google Inc. who runs the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s Silicon Valley satellite office, has been tapped to become the agency’s deputy director.

On Jan. 13, Lee will take on her new role at PTO headquarters in Alexandria, Va. She’ll perform the duties of the patent office director, now vacant. Once President Obama nominates a new director, Lee’s title will change to acting director pending that appointee’s confirmation.