Paul E Salmon

Paul is preceded in death by his father, Jack Salmon and brother-in-law, Frank DiTucci. Paul is survived by his mother, Helen Salmon; sisters, Patty DiTucci, Nancy Free (Tom) and Margaret Seidel (Greg); brothers, Joe Salmon, John Salmon (Mary Ann) and Tim Salmon (Molly); 16 nieces and nephews; three great nieces and nephews; and beloved beagle, Stevie Nicks.

Paul was exceptional in every aspect of his life. Paul excelled in his work, not only because he was extremely intelligent and creative, but also because he was every bit as loyal, honorable, and kind. He approached his work with inspirational levels of intensity and integrity and an unparalleled sense of humor. In every professional role, he quickly distinguished himself and set an example for others to follow. He was an advisor to some, a mentor to others, and a friend to all. He tirelessly defended American interests, and his fairness earned the respect of allies and adversaries alike. Everyone who met him, remembered him. Paul’s talent put him on the world’s stage, but he never lost sight of where he came from or the people who mattered to him. Through his many working years, with all his travels and accomplishments, he remained an earnest and gentle soul. This set him apart and made him unforgettable and irreplaceable.

Paul graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and began his career at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in 1985 as an entry-level patent examiner. While working at the USPTO, he attended the National Law Center of The George Washington University and graduated with honors. Paul quickly rose to positions of responsibility and trust.

In 1989, Paul joined an elite team of lawyers in the USPTO’s Office of Legislative and International Affairs. He would spend most of the next 30 years on that team, working to improve American innovation and competitiveness by strengthening the intellectual property (IP) system in the United States and around the world. Paul advised the head of the USPTO and the Secretary of Commerce, the U.S. Trade Representative and multiple federal agencies. He played a key part in the USPTO’s role as advisor to the President of the United States on domestic and international intellectual property matters.

Paul spent 1993 to 1995 in Geneva, Switzerland, where he represented the U.S. Government in World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and World Trade Organization (WTO) meetings and negotiations. Most notably, he was there fighting for American interests and values during the negotiations that established the WTO and brought us the Agreement on Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights, which remains a cornerstone of international IP law. In recognition of his invaluable contributions while posted in Geneva, the USPTO Commissioner brought Paul back to DC and promoted him to Chief of Staff.

In 1998, the world again came calling, and Paul transferred to New York to serve as Senior Counsel in the WIPO International Coordination Office. At WIPO, Paul worked to raise the profile of IP within the vast United Nations system, among foreign diplomatic representations, and the American business community. In 2002, Paul returned to USPTO Headquarters, where he served in a number of increasingly important roles. In 2005, Paul became the USPTO’s Senior Counsel for Trade, guiding the USPTO through numerous bilateral and multilateral meetings and negotiations, helping to create and protect American jobs and our competitive advantage.

Over the course of his distinguished career, Paul was a champion of American creativity and ingenuity. He received numerous awards and honors, including the Department of Commerce’s highest honor – the Gold Medal Award, for successful negotiations to bring the international IP framework into the Digital Age.

Paul contributed to the world of IP outside of the USPTO as well. He served as an adjunct faculty member at his alma mater, the National Law Center, where he lectured frequently on domestic and international intellectual property issues. Paul also appeared as a guest lecturer at several other law schools and universities, including George Mason University, Georgetown University, American University, Franklin Pierce Law Center, Fordham University, and Yeshiva University’s Cardozo School of Law. Paul was a natural teacher. His law classes showcased his depth of knowledge, insatiable curiosity, and his ability to make just about anything fun.

Although Paul excelled in every role throughout his career, the one he cherished most – and for which he was most cherished – was mentor. During his years at the USPTO, he formally mentored many USPTO patent examiners, helping them to identify goals and move into a diversity of roles. He was a mentor to IP experts around the world, as he was one of the intrepid few who helped build and grow the international IP system. To Paul’s colleagues, he was the encouraging voice, the gentle nudge, the reality check. Paul was the go-to guy for advice on almost everything, from negotiating strategy to navigating bureaucracy, and lots of things in between.

In addition to being a fantastic colleague, Paul was a lunch partner, a travel buddy, a joker, sometimes a pest, and always and forever, a true friend. He had a great sense of humor and was a terrific companion. He was thoughtful and generous, always packing his suitcase with gifts for his Geneva friends, and on the return trip with souvenirs to give to his friends in DC. He was gentle and kind and unforgettable. The USPTO family and the global IP community are better for having known Paul Salmon.

Paul enjoyed spending time with his closest friends, vacationing (especially in Provincetown) and visiting family. He was an exceptional soul; his ability to live a happy, joyous and free life was and will continue to be an inspiration to his many, many friends. During the last five years of his life, Paul was active in the DC recovery community. He walked through his challenges with dignity, grace and courage, providing an example of a life well lived to the very end.

Paul’s ashes will be interred at the family plot in Sacred Heart Cemetery in Dallas, TX at a private ceremony on May 30, 2020. A Celebration of Life ceremony will be held in the coming months in Washington, DC.

Memorials may be given to the Triangle Club, Washington, DC (https://triangleclub.org/product/donation) and Whitman-Walker Health, Washington, DC (https://www.whitman-walker.org/give).

The family of Paul wishes to extend our sincere thanks to dear friends John Laffey, Paul Dwyer, Ted Socha and Rene Meija; neighbors Don Baum and Mike Brown; the medical staff from Capital Caring Health, especially Renee; and the caregivers from Georgetown Home Care, especially Elizabeth.