Sean Dennehey
Biography
Sean joined the IPO as a patent examiner in 1978. In addition to a series of leadership roles, he has had experience of domestic policy development and international negotiation. As a tribunal Hearing Officer, he has decided patent disputes as an alternative or prelude to litigation in the High Court.
Sean was appointed Director of Patents in 2004 and Deputy Chief Executive in 2007. He acted as Chief Executive for periods in 2009/10, 2012/13 and 2016/17.
Previous roles in government
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Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Services, IPO
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Acting Chief Executive and Comptroller General, IPO