Ex-USPTO chief steps down from AIPLA

The former head of the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), Todd Dickinson, has announced he will step down from his position as executive director at the American IP Law Association (AIPLA).

Prior to joining AIPLA, Dickinson served as director of the USPTO after being nominated by President Bill Clinton in 1999. He left the role in 2001.

Dickinson had also worked as IP counsel at General Electric and Sun Company, before joining AIPLA in 2008 as executive director.

He said: “It has been a great honour for me to serve as executive director of AIPLA. I am very proud of what we’ve accomplished over the past six years, and I have generally appreciated the work with many talented board members, volunteers and staff”.

Wayne Sobon, president of AIPLA, said: We want to thank Todd for his dedicated services and wish him well in his future endeavours.”

“AIPLA is a thriving organisation and will continue its strategic efforts in member services, advocacy, global outreach and public education,” he added.

The current chief operating officer of AIPLA, Meghan Donohue, will take over the role of executive director until a replacement is found.