After reading Victoria Slind-Flor’s article dated Feb. 1 titled “In-House IP Lawyers May Lose Key Job“, I feel the need to forward an apology to all of my friends and colleagues in the patent law profession and to the University of Oklahoma and the Association of University Technology Managers (AUTM). All of my comments were taken out of context and used in a very offensive manner by Ms. Slind-Flor. The interview was given under the pretext that she was researching the different skill bases of those facilitating technology transfer. Instead, out of context, these comments make me appear arrogant enough to believe that I could do my job without the direct assistance of these talented people.
I believe the information that she has provided regarding AUTM membership is also inaccurate. The very strength of AUTM comes from its diverse membership. Patent attorneys can fall into either membership category depending on their affiliation (whether they are employed by a non-profit or profit organization).
