New Hampshire Increases Sanction In Reciprocal Matter

A two-year suspension with restitution that was imposed by the United States Patent & Trademark Office was increased to disbarment as reciprocal discipline by the New Hampshire Supreme Court.

The Respondent had represented a client who held three U.S. and one Canadian patents. Money that the client had provided the Respondent for required maintenance fees was deposited in his operating account and not used for the intended purpose.

The patents expired and Respondent failed to communicate with the client about the expiration of the patents.

The New Hampshire Professional Conduct Committee proposed disbarment; Respondent failed to respond.

The court adopted the PCC recommendation and concluded that disbarment was the appropriate sanction. (Mike Frisch)