With profound sadness, we mourn the loss of our partner, colleague and friend, Alan J. Kasper. He passed away on September 3, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of dedicated leadership and immeasurable contributions to our firm and the intellectual property community across the globe.

After earning his B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the State University of New York and his J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center, he served as patent counsel and eventually Chief Patent Counsel for the Communications Satellite Corporation (COMSAT). Alan joined Sughrue in 1985 and, from 1990 to 1994, moved to Japan to manage our Tokyo office and promote Sughrue throughout the country.

Throughout his career, Alan was an active and influential leader in the intellectual property community. He was deeply involved in numerous professional associations, including AIPPI, FICPI, ABA, IPO, LES, ASIPI, and AIPLA. He served as President of AIPLA from 2009-2010 and as a member of its Board of Directors. He also served as President of the Global Network of National Intellectual Property Law Associations, was Chair of the U.S. Bar/SIPO Liaison Council, and most recently contributed to the AIPLA harmonization task force and the Trilateral and IP5 delegations.

Alan was also an accomplished author. He co-authored Patents After the AIA: Evolving Law & Practice and the handbook Prior Art After the AIA: A Practical Guide both of which remain important resources for the IP community.

Alan’s contributions to Sughrue, our clients, and the profession were immeasurable. He was a mentor, leader, and friend whose impact will be felt for many years to come. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family during this difficult time.