About Ernest
Ernest B. "Lip" Lipscomb was a distinguished intellectual property attorney based in Charleston, South Carolina. He earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Mississippi in 1965. Prior to this achievement, Lipscomb completed a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering at the same institution. His educational background laid a strong foundation for his legal career, particularly in the complex field of intellectual property. To further enhance his expertise, he obtained a Master of Laws in Patent and Trademark Registration Law from George Washington University, a program known for its rigorous curriculum.
Admitted to the South Carolina State Bar in 1968, Lipscomb also held a license to practice law in North Carolina. His legal practice was extensive, encompassing all South Carolina courts, the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina, and the Western District of North Carolina. Additionally, he was authorized to appear before the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, which handles appeals in patent cases. This broad scope of practice allowed him to represent clients in various intellectual property matters, from patent applications to complex litigation. In 2022, Lipscomb joined Kim, Lahey & Killough, a firm specializing in intellectual property law, located in Charleston. This strategic move allowed the firm to expand its services across the Carolinas, offering comprehensive legal assistance in areas such as patent law, trademark law, and technology contracts.
His involvement with the firm marked a significant step in his career, as he brought decades of experience and a wealth of knowledge to the team. Throughout his career, Lipscomb authored the eleven-volume treatise "Lipscomb’s Walker on Patents" and "Lipscomb’s Patent Claims." These works have been cited by the United States Supreme Court, underscoring their importance in the field of patent law. His contributions to legal scholarship were significant, providing valuable insights and guidance for practitioners and scholars alike. In addition to his writing, Lipscomb served as an adjunct professor of patent law at the University of South Carolina School of Law for six years, where he mentored the next generation of lawyers. Lipscomb was an active member of several professional associations, including the South Carolina Bar, the New York Bar Association, and the American Intellectual Property Law Association. He was also involved with the Association of Corporate Patent Counsel and the Carolinas Patent, Trademark and Copyright Law Association.
His commitment to the legal profession was evident in his participation in these organizations, where he contributed to the advancement of intellectual property law. Ernest B. Lipscomb passed away on February 26, 2023, leaving behind a legacy of legal scholarship and mentorship that will continue to influence the field of intellectual property law for years to come.
