Thomas G. Dickson - Patterson, Thuente, Skaar & Christensen: Intellectual Property Law

Tom Dickson is a shareholder with Patterson Thuente and serves on the firm’s Executive Committee. A seasoned litigator and experienced practitioner in the areas of IP prosecution and strategy development, Tom is appreciated by clients for his business-oriented approach.

Tom’s practice emphasizes patent prosecution, IP portfolio management, patent opinions, and counseling clients on international intellectual property strategies. He frequently presents to engineering groups on how to recognize patentable ideas. Tom is also chair of the firm’s trademark department and provides clients with sound strategies for developing, managing and enforcing their trademark portfolios.

Professional Experience

Tom has a rich background from which to draw as he helps clients develop practical business strategies that focus on market potential. His diverse background includes serving as a project manager on “Star Wars” programs for the U.S. Air Force, working on technology that involved space- and ground-based laser systems and various shuttle-launched experiments.

Before being recruited to the firm by John Thuente, Tom was a registered investment advisor and member of an investing team for RBC Dain Rauscher. He also gained valuable litigation experience at a Minneapolis-based, national litigation firm. There, he represented businesses, insurance companies and individuals in cases involving fires, explosions and structural collapses throughout the country.

Case Studies

Enforced a design patent to stop a competitor’s copycat design
Developed portfolio management protocols for corporate clients, including disclosure and approval guidelines
Defended a software distributor against a major software company—achieved a favorable settlement after disputing plaintiff’s discovery requests
Represented a manufacturer of automatic external defibrillators (AED) against industry infringers—case settled upon successful negotiation of licenses
Defended a production studio on copyright and breach of contract claims, which resulted in a verdict for the defense after a six day trial

Other

International Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property (AIPPI), member
University of St. Thomas Law School, mentor
Loan Repayment Assistance Program of Minnesota, board member
Good Shepherd School, board member
Minneapolis Youthlink, volunteer and former board member and Treasurer