One of life’s greatest joys lies in collaborating with individuals whose lives and actions inspire us.
When Judge Michel and I partnered with Dean Conway to form our IP and Innovation Initiative’s advisory board, our mission was to bring together a small group of individuals with integrity, dedication, and a self-evident record of service and excellence who would work with us to steer Penn State Dickinson Law to make a meaningful difference to our constituents at the law school, the state of Pennsylvania, the US, and beyond.
The Initiative’s first in-person event compelled me to stretch my horizons beyond what I had ever done. The Penn State Dickinson Law Innovation Forum on Capitol Hill convened government leaders and engaged stakeholders in crucial conversations on topics of immediate importance to our nation’s security and competitiveness, inclusive innovation, drug pricing, environmental sustainability, and stakeholder collaboration in the context of IP and innovation law and policy.
In this exclusive, closed-door, off-the-record, invitation-only setting, we fostered an environment where stakeholders could candidly exchange ideas—an opportunity rarely found elsewhere. Over two days, we aimed to transcend the usual conference rhetoric and actively seek solutions to systemic challenges.
I am grateful for the friendship, leadership, and unwavering support of every member who joined us on this remarkable journey. Together, we are shaping the future of IP and innovation, making a lasting impact that resonates beyond our respective institutions. Onward and upward.
#InnovationLeaders #IPInitiative #CollaborationMatters

Thank you to Mark Schultz, Emily Michiko Morris, Katia Lagasse, Kelsey Jennings and the University of Akron School of Law Center for IP Law and Technology for bringing us together this week for its 2023 Akron IP Scholars Forum. Looking forward to discussions with colleagues from across the country on their cutting-edge work.

Elizabeth Townsend Gard Tulane University Law School Mehtab Khan Harvard Law School Eric E. Johnson University of Oklahoma College of Law Tim Murphy University of Idaho College of Law Betsy Rosenblatt Case Western Reserve University School of Law Peter Yu Texas A&M University School of Law Michael Doane Ryan T. Holte Craig A. Nard Liam O’Melinn Ohio Northern University—Claude W. Pettit College of Law Camilla Hrdy

Penn State Dickinson Law has been a center for legal education since 1834. It is one of the oldest law schools in the country and the oldest in Pennsylvania. Here, students are guided by mentors, supported by peers, and championed by accomplished alumni worldwide. Respect runs deep, and affiliations last long.

Dr. Anthony Ogden serves as our Director of International Programs and Graduate Education at Penn State Dickinson Law. We are partnering to expand opportunities for accomplished domestic and internationally trained legal professionals to develop specialized knowledge and mastery in a particular area of law in a highly challenging yet supportive environment.

To find out more, visit https://lnkd.in/g9eGU4PP or contact DickinsonGradEd@psu.edu.

Delighted to be back in Wilmington and New York City.

My colleagues and I welcomed Penn State Dickinson Law alums. Honored by Dean Danielle Conway’s kind introduction and her spontaneous invitation to address our alumni. Participating in alumni receptions is one of my favorite parts of my job. It’s inspiring to meet generations of alums who have graduated and done well for themselves, learn about their diverse paths, hear their fond memories of their time at the law school, and explore new ways to collaborate.

Kudos to my colleagues Kelly Rimmer Robin Langhans, M.Ed. Laura H. Williams Tom Lee and Brett Conway for their important work at each of these events. Pleased that Michelle Nerozzi-Ankenbrand and Roberte Makowski, whom I had the pleasure of working with this earlier year both accepted my invitation to join us!

After Wilmington, I headed to New York to thank Tom Pease Nick Groombridge, Jennifer Wu Hugh Hansen Joshua L. Simmons for their recent partnership with us, hear their suggestions and advice, and share my plans for the coming year to explore new ways to collaborate with these terrific folks. It was great meeting members of the creative community gathered to celebrate the book reading of Jen’s friend, Abigail Hing Wen.

Greenberg Traurig, LLP Groombridge, Wu, Baughman & Stone LLP Emily C. and John E. Hansen IP Institute at Fordham Law School Kirkland & Ellis

Delighted to sit down with Derrick Brent to hear his insights on life and leadership for the first episode of Penn State Dickinson Law’s Profiles in Leadership series, now in its second season. You can catch episodes from our first season here: https://dickinsonlaw.psu.edu/profiles-leadership.

Deputy Director Brent is the Deputy Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Deputy Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

The USPTO is one of the world’s largest intellectual property (IP) offices, with over 13,000 employees and an annual budget of over $4 billion. Deputy Director Brent’s career includes vast public service and private sector work, including significant experience in IP law and work to assist startups and those who are underrepresented. He has served in all three branches of the federal government: executive, legislative, and judicial.

Highlights below.

1:16:– Current priorities and interests.

3:31:– The value of personal outreach.

6:33:– On Penn State.

8:32:– The value of a Northwestern education.

11:56:– Clerking for Hon. Algenon L. Marbley, Chief Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio.

16:40:– Chief Counsel for Senator Barbara Boxer and Senior Trial Attorney at the U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division.

20:49:– Forging consensus.

26:22:– Selecting judicial nominees.

30:01:– On both sides of the America Invents Act (AIA).

34:20:– Subordinates and superiors.

38:18:– Finding balance.

41:43:– “More to do; better to do.”