LES Notes the Passing of Q. Todd Dickinson, a Leader in the IP Community

With sadness, LES USA & Canada notes the passing of a leader in the intellectual property community, the incomparable Q. Todd Dickinson.

Todd was Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, the first person to hold that title.  He succeeded Commissioner Lehman in 1998. He helped get the American Inventor's Protection Act through Congress in 1999, and supervised the USPTO's move from Crystal City to new headquarters in Alexandria, VA.  He elevated the role of USPTO Commissioner, now Director, at a pivotal time of increased reliance on the internet and information technology.  Under Todd's leadership, the USPTO became increasingly influential in policy, legislation, and precedent. 

Todd earned a degree in chemistry from Allegheny College, and a J.D. from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law.  During his 35-year career, Todd had senior leadership responsibilities for IP at several Fortune 50 companies.

After leaving the USPTO, Todd co-chaired Howrey's IP section, and then served as Executive Director of the American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA), where he played a key role in the drafting and passage of the America Invents Act and associated PTO rules.  Later he joined Novak Druce, and finally Polsinelli.

Todd also served on the Board of Directors of the LES Foundation, and in various volunteer leadership roles in other IP organizations.

His commitment to the profession and his stalwart advocacy for the advancement and protection of patent law and intellectual property will be sorely missed.