United States Patent and Trademark Office OG Notices: 05 November 2002
Notice of Exclusion Curtis Andrew Bell of West Des Moines, Iowa, a patent attorney, Registration No. 36,742. In settlement of a reciprocal matter from Iowa, the Director excluded Mr. Bell for five years from practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office in patent, trademark, and other non-patent law cases. The Iowa court disbarred Bell for engaging in illegal conduct involving moral turpitude arising from Bell's conversion of $11,000 of a law association's funds, conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation, and conduct reflecting adversely on his fitness to practice law. The Iowa court ruled that although the proceeding involved a first ethical violation, disbarment was warranted in view of Bell's willful and knowing misappropriation of funds for personal use, and aggravating circumstances, including a lack of urgency to rectify the matter, and an inadequate understanding of the nature and extent of his ethical responsibilities. This action is taken pursuant to the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 32, and 37 C.F.R. 10.133(g). On behalf of James E. Rogan Under Secretary of Commerce For Intellectual Property and Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office October 7, 2002 JAMES A. TOUPIN General Counsel United States Patent and Trademark Office