Dr. LaFontaine is currently Vice President, Licensing and Business Development, for IBM’s Intellectual Property Business. Dr. LaFontaine has the worldwide responsibility for licensing IBM’s patent, trademark and domain name portfolio. In addition, Dr. LaFontaine’s team plays a critical role in the creation of technology-based strategic alliances with partners around the world. In previous positions at IBM, Dr. LaFontaine was Vice President, Corporate Strategy and Vice President, Worldwide Sales and Service for IBM Technology Group. During Dr. LaFontaine’s 16-year career at IBM he led product and process development teams as well as sales, marketing, and operations organizations in Japan, Singapore, and North America. Dr. LaFontaine’s international experience includes assignments in Japan and Singapore. Dr. LaFontaine is the recipient of several US and foreign patents.

Dr. LaFontaine currently serves on the Advisory Board of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Cornell University. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Metallurgical Engineering from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, and received his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Materials Science and Engineering from Cornell University.