LSIPR 50 2017: Sean Dennehey—Steering the ship

2016 was a tumultuous year. Not only did the UK vote to leave the EU, but the UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO) lost its CEO and two experienced directors.

But with Sean Dennehey at the helm of the IPO, things ran smoothly.

Dennehey took on the role of acting CEO after replacing former chief John Alty, who was appointed director general of trade policy in the Department for International Trade in July last year. In May 2017, Dennehey became deputy CEO after Tim Moss was appointed to lead the office.

In 1978, Dennehey joined the IPO as a patent examiner and in 2004 was appointed director of patents. Three years on, he was appointed deputy CEO. He also acted as CEO for periods in 2009-10 and 2012-13.