In Memoriam: Former USPTO Executive John Doll Dies at 72

http://johnjdoll.com/Default.aspxLast Thursday, May 20, the IP industry lost a leader and a dedicated servant. John Doll, surrounded by family, passed at a hospital in Wake Forest, North Carolina after a prolonged battle with lung cancer. For those who knew Doll personally or professionally, he was in it “to win it,” approaching it scientifically until the end, participating in clinical trials where possible and keeping abreast of new discoveries. In fact, in June of 2020, Doll was selected by the Lung Cancer Research Foundation (LCRF) to share his experience on National Cancer Survivors Day. In his recorded message, Doll spoke directly about the importance of research for drug design and development in treating lung cancer.

Doll spent the overwhelming majority of his career in intellectual property at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). A graduate of Bowling Green State University and subsequently Penn State University, Doll began his remarkable trajectory in 1974 as a patent examiner to conclude a noteworthy 35 years later as the Acting Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Acting Director of the USPTO. During that tenure, Doll held a wide variety of positions, but perhaps became best known and most at home in his role as the Commissioner for Patents, a position he held from 2005 until 2009.  Condoleezza Rice, former U.S. Secretary of State, once said, “There’s no greater challenge and there is no greater honor than to be in public service.” Doll certainly embodied this ideal. He carried the public mantle of civil servant with character and great fortitude.

Having risen from the ranks of the patent corps, Doll was a leader of the people for the people. He worked closely with the unions but also sought the support of the industry. He worked for what he thought was right for the IP system, most specifically in the area of patents, even when it made him less than popular. His efforts were uniquely always directed towards enhancing the quality of the system. He regularly spoke to internal USPTO audiences, passionate about welcoming incoming classes of patent examiners and graduating primary examiners, and to external gatherings of IP professionals on a wide variety of topics. He was a colleague to all and a friend to many, always there to offer a kind word or to add some levity to a challenging situation.

After retiring from the USPTO, Doll went on to have an impactful career as an expert witness in the industry. Doll welcomed the intellectual challenge of the work, as well as the opportunity to remain a vibrant part of the practice and enhance his knowledge of diverse technologies. From 2009 onward, he participated in a diversity of workshops, court proceedings and technical presentations on numerous topics where he was able to share his expertise.

As an individual, Doll was a father, a grandfather, a husband, a scientist, and a civil servant. He juggled these various roles with great success evidenced by the legacy that he has left behind. Doll was equally comfortable navigating the shores of the Chesapeake Bay or Lake Norman, North Carolina as he was the ins and outs of electronic filing of patents and the confines of patent subject matter eligibility. Doll tended his care for the IP system, much like the attention he paid to his vintage corvette, requiring precision, fine-tuning, and quality workmanship. Doll, however, was always one to look on the bright side and to never take himself too seriously. Given the chance, he would want us all to take in this moment and enjoy!!!

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15 comments so far.

  • [Avatar for Ed Johnson]
    Ed Johnson
    July 14, 2021 11:59 am

    I worked for 40 years at the USPTO. In 1974 I met John Doll as a neighbor and a fellow employee of the USPTO . We carpooled for the next 20 years. My condolences to his family..

  • [Avatar for Elaine Mestemaker Thieman]
    Elaine Mestemaker Thieman
    May 26, 2021 09:24 pm

    This is Elaine Mestemaker Thieman, a Coldwater High School classmate of John’s. A graduate of the class of 1967. I lost track of John after High School graduation as often classmates do. I remember John as being thoughtful, kind, independent and intelligent. After reading this beautiful article about him I am not surprised that he was successful in his life. I am proud to say that he was my study hall friend. Rest In Peace John. Elaine

  • [Avatar for Karen Wright]
    Karen Wright
    May 26, 2021 04:49 pm

    Liz, this was absolutely beautiful! So glad I got to work at the USPTO and behold a living star! Missed; neve forgotten!

  • [Avatar for Victoria Augustine]
    Victoria Augustine
    May 25, 2021 01:55 pm

    Liz, this was beautiful. Thank you for sharing. John was always so proud of the work of the USPTO. I recall the pride in his words when he told me that one of the novel treatments he had been receiving was patented in what had been his former workgroup. He was a great leader who taught us all that leadership was not separate from fun and joy in one’s work. His presence lit up a room, and his principles grounded him in service. He will be truly missed.

  • [Avatar for Stephanie]
    Stephanie
    May 25, 2021 01:14 pm

    I only felt compelled to read about Mr. Doll as the USPTO title in the article caught my eye. This was a remarkable memorian for Mr. Doll and I can only pray that such kind, nice and thoughtful words are spoken of me. Thanks for sharing with us!!!

  • [Avatar for Angel Rodriguez Cruz]
    Angel Rodriguez Cruz
    May 25, 2021 01:05 pm

    Our condolences. Peace of mind and Spiritual tranquility to the whole family and close friends.

  • [Avatar for Jessica Doll]
    Jessica Doll
    May 25, 2021 09:46 am

    Thank you so much Liz, it’s perfect. Dad would of loved it!!

  • [Avatar for G. Nagesh Rao]
    G. Nagesh Rao
    May 25, 2021 08:54 am

    Concur with the post wholeheartedly! John was a great public servant whom cared about good work and was always accessible to everyone no matter of rank or title.

    I started my Fed-Career in 2004 as a GS 7 Patent Examiner and was struck by John’s wit and pragmatism. We kept in touch during my years at PTO as I climbed up through the ranks and he offered to be a quasi mentor for me…and always morally supported my career ambitions…we stayed in touch when I left in 2011 for VC/PE and Startups before returning back a few years later to Federal Service at SBA…and recently my return to Commerce as CIO at BIS where John continually gave me great advice and encouraged folks like myself to give it their all in public service! He was a great man and will be truly missed… RIP my friend…

  • [Avatar for Debbie Ware]
    Debbie Ware
    May 25, 2021 01:12 am

    Very thoughtful and detailed piece. I learned more about John Doll from it. Im so sorry to hear that he passed away. My Dad died of lung cancer too. My condolences to his family and friends. He will be missed.

  • [Avatar for Jeff.]
    Jeff.
    May 24, 2021 10:18 pm

    I appreciated John Doll as a supportive Group Director who backed up his Examiners. I’m very sorry to hear he passed.

  • [Avatar for Emil Ali]
    Emil Ali
    May 24, 2021 08:51 pm

    So incredibly sad. His last message to me on may 16th was that life is good! Such a nice guy!

  • [Avatar for G. Nagesh Rao]
    G. Nagesh Rao
    May 24, 2021 07:16 pm

    Well said Liz! I was really saddened to see the news this past weekend of John’s passing…he and I were passing notes of well wishes this past month and I’m just shocked to see the news still. I have last message I received from him saved from a few weeks ago…he would have loved meeting Baby Bear Rao…sigh…may he Rest In Peace…

  • [Avatar for Steve Pinkos]
    Steve Pinkos
    May 24, 2021 04:19 pm

    Thanks, Liz for this wonderful and spot-on tribute to John. He was passionate, dedicated and smart enough to help lead the USPTO thru challenging times but also humble enough to know he didn’t have all the answers and couldn’t run the race alone. He showed us how to work hard while enjoying ourselves and each other in the process. We will all miss John, none more than his family — for whom our family prays for comfort knowing that “the lord is close to the brokenhearted.”

  • [Avatar for Eileen McDermott]
    Eileen McDermott
    May 24, 2021 04:05 pm

    Deepest condolences from the IPWatchdog team, Jackie.

  • [Avatar for Jackie Brown]
    Jackie Brown
    May 24, 2021 12:58 pm

    I am a sister-in-law to John Doll and would like to thank you for this well written piece. John was well loved by family and friends and we have lost an unforgettable man.