A Lasting Legal Legacy: Celebrating the Life of A. Samuel Oddi

A. Samuel Oddi, a respected University of Akron School of Law faculty member, colleague, husband and friend, passed away on Sept. 11, 2024, in McMurray, Pa. He was 88.

In 2000, The University of Akron School of Law welcomed Oddi to the faculty as the Giles Sutherland Rich Professor in Intellectual Property. Oddi specialized in intellectual property law, patent law, jurisprudence and international intellectual property law. During his distinguished career, Professor Oddi taught and mentored numerous intellectual property students, greatly contributing to their success at The University of Akron School of Law.

Before UA Law, Oddi earned a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University, a J.D. from the University of Pittsburgh,
and an LL.M. from George Washington University. He also taught at Northern Illinois University College of Law. Oddi served as a visiting professor at University of California’s Davis College of Law, The Ohio State University School of Law, and University of Pittsburgh School of Law.

He served as a patent attorney at Westinghouse Electric Corporation and as patent counsel at Rockwell International Corporation,
both in Pittsburgh, Pa. He also held the role of senior legal officer at the World Intellectual Property Organization in Geneva, Switzerland. Oddi was admitted to practice law in Illinois and Pennsylvania, as well as before the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and the U.S. Supreme Court.

Oddi also made numerous contributions to law literature as he published many intellectual property and torts articles, including “The Regeneration of American Patent Law: Patentable Subject Matter,” 46 IDEA 491-560 (2006) and “Patent Attorney Malpractice: An Oxymoron No More,” 2004 U. Ill. J. L., Tech. & Pol’y 1-72 (2004).

As we remember Samuel Oddi and his profound contributions to the field of intellectual property, his legal legacy reaches far beyond the books. One person who knew Professor Oddi well and shared his commitment to The University of Akron School of
Law is Carolyn Dessin, a dear friend and Akron Law faculty member. Dessin worked alongside Oddi for many years, witnessing his dedication and impact firsthand, and offering a unique perspective on his enduring influence as a teacher.

“Sam was a dedicated and rigorous teacher,” Dessin said, “He believed that fear was an excellent motivator, as many of his torts students will attest. But among his upper-class students, many came to know him as gentle and caring - the true Sam!”

Dessin also shared that Oddi’s life included many diverse interests and hobbies, including travel. “Sam and [wife] Lorrie loved to travel,” Dessin reminisced. “I was lucky enough to spend time with them in Geneva and Nice, and we had many wonderful adventures and meals. Sam was a true gourmet. We’d walk the streets in the morning to see which restaurant had the most interesting plat du jour [dish of the day]. I think that he loved the exploration as much as the meal!”

In addition to food and travel, Dessin said music was another passion for Oddi. “Sam and Lorrie loved classical music, especially opera,” Dessin said. “They were longtime subscribers to the Lyric Opera in Chicago. They also spent time in Sirmiglione, Italy, and went to the opera in Verona. Sam could tell you the plot of just about any opera.”

As we honor Oddi’s life, his profound impact on intellectual property law and education shines as a lasting testament to his excellence. Equally enduring, however, are the personal connections he fostered, the joy he brought to those around him and the
countless lives he enriched. Oddi’s influence extends far beyond the realm of law, leaving a deep imprint on the hearts of all who had the privilege to know him.

His career was distinguished by groundbreaking contributions to his field and shaped by his unwavering dedication to his students.
He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by his family, friends, Akron Law colleagues, students and all whose lives were touched by his remarkable and fulfilling legacy.