2026 SESSION
ENROLLED
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 268
Celebrating the life of Irene Cuda Rosenbaum.
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, March 10, 2026
Agreed to by the Senate, March 12, 2026
WHEREAS, Irene Cuda Rosenbaum, a loving wife and mother, distinguished patent examiner, devoted volunteer, and beloved member of the Springfield community, died on July 24, 2025; and
WHEREAS, born in Washington, D.C., Irene Rosenbaum graduated from Perkiomen School in Pennsburg, Pennsylvania, before earning a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Maryland; and
WHEREAS, Irene Rosenbaum contributed meaningfully to innovation and the advancement of intellectual property in the United States by dedicating 20 years of service to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), where she served as a patent examiner in the mechanical arts and oversaw the issuance of patents to 2,056 inventions; and
WHEREAS, a trailblazer in her field, Irene Rosenbaum was the first woman in her art unit at the USPTO and became the first employee to secure maternity leave, serving as both a member of the negotiating team and the test case in 1989; her success led to paid parental leave being extended to all employees, benefiting generations of patent professionals; and
WHEREAS, through her exemplary leadership with the Patent Office Professional Association (POPA), including service as a delegate to its executive committee, Irene Rosenbaum advocated for her colleagues and received numerous honors for her outstanding service, including the POPA Distinguished Service Award and the United States Department of Commerce Bronze Medal Award for Superior Federal Service; and