Goodwin is mourning the death of its partner Douglas C. Doskocil, an accomplished IP litigator who practiced in the firm’s Boston office for nearly 20 years.
Doug, 55, died Saturday after a courageous battle with cancer, which he fought with grace and dignity. He is survived by his wife, Cindy Weeks, of Andover, Massachusetts, and their sons Sam and Jacob.
A graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (B.S.), Tufts University (M.S.), Suffolk University School of Law (J.D.) and Vermont Law School (M.S.E.L.), Doug joined Goodwin in 1998 and was named a partner in 2002.
A gifted litigator and engineer, Doug focused his practice on helping clients understand the complex patent issues arising from the use and application of electrical systems, semiconductors, computers, communication networks and software. A U.S. patent holder, Doug designed the first computer-controlled commander’s display for the U.S. Army’s M1 Abrams main battle tank.
He was co-chair of the Boston Patent Law Association’s Litigation Committee, an active member of the Sigma Xi Research Society and the American Intellectual Property Association’s Practice in the Far East Committee, and a founding member of the Boston College Intellectual Property Inns of Court.
Doug also conducted a robust pro bono practice. He helped organize and lead Goodwin’s significant representation of unaccompanied minors – an effort that has grown to include a large, diverse group of firm attorneys and paraprofessionals across the United States committed to helping refugee minors become U.S. legal residents. His work on behalf of his young clients earned him recognition and accolades from several organizations and publications, including KIND, Lutheran Social Services and Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly.
Asked once about the best part of his job at Goodwin, Doug cited the challenge of technology and the constant evolution of patent law, but more than anything else, he said, “I thrive on the people – the people I meet, such as inventors who always have an intriguing story to tell, and the staff and attorneys at Goodwin who are second to none.”
Doug was bright, funny, adventurous and compassionate, and we will sorely miss him.