Dave Kappos Awarded IPWatchdog’s Inaugural Paul Michel Award

On September 12, 2021, Cravath partner David J. Kappos was honored as the inaugural recipient of IPWatchdog’s Paul Michel Award at its LIVE 2021 program in Dallas, Texas. The award, named for former Federal Circuit Chief Judge Paul Michel, will annually recognize individuals in the U.S. intellectual property community who “selflessly served the best interests of the industry and its members, as a respected leader, mentor and advocate on behalf of fairness and the intellectual property system.” Described by Judge Michel as “the principal guardian of the U.S. patent system,” Dave was recognized for his role in private practice at Cravath and as director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, for his work as an educator of Congress and presidential administration officials, as an advocate for recent patent eligibility law reform efforts and as a speaker and author across various IP conferences and publications. In accepting the award, Dave noted stresses on the patent system and asked for attendees to speak up and get involved in service to improve it.