Firms To Watch: Technology transactions

Paul Hastings LLP fields an experienced technology and transactions team led by Todd Schneider and Jane Song from Silicon Valley and San Diego respectively. The firm offers strong support on a range M&A, IP licensing and technology commercialization matters.

Technology transactions in United States

Cooley LLP

Cooley LLP  has an ‘incredibly knowledgeable, innovative and cost-efficient‘ technology transactions practice with a huge client base among emerging companies in the tech and life sciences sectors. The full-service offering covers all corners of the market, from high-end M&A support through to complex IP and licensing arrangements and partnership agreements. Testament to the firm’s market status is the impressive list of fast-growing household names it represents, including Netflix, Avant, Zoom Video Communications, and Instacart. TJ Graham chairs the overall practice, with Len Jacoby (‘incredibly thorough and creative‘)  leading the New York side. Other key individuals include Tracy Rubin (‘super sharp on cutting edge questions‘), Adam Ruttenberg and Adam Chase in Washington DC, and Thomas Connors  in Boston. Denver-based Keith Berets is also noted, namely for his prowess in fintech, renewable energy, hardware and food-related deals, among others. All lawyers based in Silicon Valley unless otherwise stated.

 










Practice head(s):

TJ Graham


Other key lawyers:

Len Jacoby; Adam Ruttenberg; Adam Chase; Tracy Rubin; Thomas Connors; Keith Berets


Testimonials

‘Tracy Rubin was great to work with on several M&A transactions. She’s super sharp on cutting edge questions and extremely responsive.’

‘Cooley’s tech transactions practice is incredibly knowledgeable, innovative and cost-efficient. They take the time to understand my business’ objectives – and then exactly tailor their counsel with creative, complete solutions.’

‘Len Jacoby is the single, most capable and intelligent IP attorney with whom I have ever worked. He has directly contributed to my companies’ successes over 25 years – across a variety of IP transactions and industries. He is incredibly thorough and creative – all at a reasonable cost.’

Key clients

One Medical


Frontline Education


Baylis Medical


Instacart


IEX Group


NovoDynamics


Zoom Video Communications


Netflix


Twilo


TCGPlayer


Perchwell


Avant


MoonPay


ArtBlocks


Battery Ventures


Work highlights


  • Advised One Medical, a human-centered, technology-powered national primary care organization, on a definitive merger agreement under which Amazon will acquire One Medical for $18 per share in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $3.9 billion.
  • Represented Frontline Education in its $3.7 billion sale to Roper Technologies.
  • Advised Baylis Medical on its $1.75 billion sale to Boston Scientific.

Fenwick & West LLP

Fenwick & West LLP has a ‘pragmatic, competent, and responsive‘ group which is packed with lawyers who have ‘unrivalled expertise in the tech sector‘. Over 70% of the firm’s client base operates within the technology sector, with M&A, IP and licensing among its three key areas of focus. Within these, the team advises on strategic IP transactions, commercial contracts, open source and privacy issues. Jennifer Stanley  and Jonathan Millard co-chair the practice that fields a highly experienced and deep bench of transactional lawyers. Key partners include Jake Handy and Ralph Pais  (San Francisco) on the IP licensing and commercialization side. David Hayes in San Francisco has built an extremely prominent name, while corporate partners Steven Levine (‘super easy to work with and extremely responsive‘) and New York’s Ethan Skerry (‘great advice on the growth equity world‘) also attract praise. All partners based in Silicon Valley unless otherwise stated.

Practice head(s):

Jonathan Millard; Jennifer Stanley


Other key lawyers:

David Hayes; Ralph Pais; Jake Handy; Steven Levine; Ethan Skerry


Testimonials

‘Great to have experts in the VC world and growth equity world under the same roof. They moved quickly for us.’

‘Ethan Skerry gave great advice on the growth equity world and managed most of our process. Steven Levine was very helpful for understanding the VC world.’

‘Pragmatic, competent, and responsive– I keep coming back to Fenwick due to the team they have built and their unrivaled expertise in the tech sector.’

Key clients

Amazon.com


AppLovin Corporation


Bill


Cisco Systems


Coinbase Global


Figma


The Gearbox Entertainment Company


Goldstar Events


Instacart


Netflix


OpenAI


OSIsoft


Peloton Interactive


Securonix


Tencent


Twilio


Universe


Vocera Communications


Yuga Labs


Work highlights


  • Represented Figma, a leading web-first collaborative design platform, in its pending $20 billion acquisition by Adobe (Nasdaq: ADBE), in the largest ever sale of a private technology company.
  • Advised Vocera Communications on its definitive agreement to be acquired by Stryker for a total equity value of approximately $2.97 billion and a total enterprise value of approximately $3.9 billion.
  • Represented AppLovin Corporation in its definitive agreement to acquire Twitter’s MoPub business for approximately $1 billion.

Goodwin

Goodwin has a multi-faceted technology team with strong credentials for the full range of transactional matters. The firm has an excellent track record in IP transactions, including licensing, collaboration and joint venture agreements, as well as broader cross-border deals and high-level M&A support. Data privacy and cyber-security are other areas of expertise. The team was particularly active on the corporate and private equity acquisition side in the past year and helped advise Pixomondo on acquisition by Sony Pictures Entertainment from Mayfair Equity Partners.  The group is co-chaired by corporate partner Anthony McCusker in Silicon Valley, Kenneth Gordon  and John Egan. Other key partners include David Cappillo, who co-leads the firm’s healthcare practice, and Alessandra Simons in San Francisco. Stephen Charkoudian  also provides the group with long-standing expertise, having co-founded the practice. All lawyers are based in Boston unless otherwise stated.

Practice head(s):

Kenneth Gordon; John Egan; Anthony McCusker


Other key lawyers:

Stephen Charkoudian; Alessandra Simons


Key clients

Toast


Mavrck


PsiQuantum


Markforged


Workato


Phreesia


Olo


Sailpoint Technologies


Citrix Systems


Coalition


FrontApp


Salsify


Hopin


Circle


Emergetech


Dutchie


Stack Capital Group


iRobot Corporation


Klayvio


Work highlights


  • Advised Citrix Systems in its $16.5 billion sale to Vista Equity Partners and Evergreen Coast Capital.
  • Advised SailPoint Technologies Holdings in its sale to Thoma Bravo in an all-cash transaction that values SailPoint at approximately $6.9 billion.
  • Advised Pixomondo on its acquisition by Sony Pictures Entertainment from Mayfair Equity Partners.

Kirkland & Ellis LLP

The transactions group at Kirkland & Ellis LLP is best known for its support on high value technology-related corporate and private equity M&A deals, particularly those where IP assets are a key driver. This transactional expertise extends to distressed situations, including company restructurings and insolvencies.  The highly experienced team also does a considerable amount of standalone technology work, including IP licensing, collaboration agreements, strategic alliances and technology outsourcing deals. Recent examples include assisting Firefly Aerospace on a collaboration with Northrop Grumman Corporation for an upgrade to Northrop’s Antares rocket and a new medium launch vehicle. The firm has a deep bench of specialist partners, including Chicago’s Seth Traxler, Neil Hirshman and Matthew Lovell, all of whom have a strong focus on IP and technology transactions. The San Francisco-based partner John Lynn has also developed extremely good credentials in this area.

Other key lawyers:

Neil Hirshman; Seth Traxler; Matthew Lovell; John Lynn


Key clients

Accenture


Avaya Holdings


The Blackstone Group International Partners


Bristol Myers Squibb


Celanese Corporation


Charter Communications


Danaher Corp


Eli Lilly and Company


McDonald’s Corporation


Naver


Nexstar Media Group


PowerSchool Group


Redwire


SSM Health


StubHub Holdings


Thoma Bravo, LP


Verizon Communications


Victoria’s Secret


Vista Equity Partners


Wyndham Destinations


Work highlights


  • Advising Naver Corp., Korea’s leading internet company and a top 50 global technology company by market capitalization, on its acquisition of Poshmark, a deal representing an equity value of approximately $1.6 billion and an enterprise value of approximately $1.2 billion.
  • Advised McDonald’s on its agreement with IBM to accelerate the development of McDonald’s Automated Order Taking (AOT) technology, a deal that included IBM’s acquisition of McD Tech Labs which develops employee- and customer-facing innovations such as AOT.
  • Counseled AEA-Bridges Impact Corp., a SPAC with a dedicated sustainability focus, on its $1.77 billion business combination under which LiveWire, Harley-Davidson’s electric motorcycle division, combined with ABIC to create a new public company.

Latham & Watkins LLP

Latham & Watkins LLP has a ‘very knowledgeable, responsive and practical‘  team which is packed with ‘accountable and thoughtful advisors‘  who are ‘well informed on the market and what the standards are for NFTs, Web3.0 and other developing technology‘. Clients appreciate the team’s adaptability, with experience ranging from high-end corporate and private equity M&A support, through to advice on IP licensing, outsourcing and strategic collaboration mandates. Notable recent highlights include advising Marcolin, a leading global eyewear manufacturer, on the negotiation of a long-term license with The Estée Lauder Companies (ELC) for TOM FORD eyewear, as part of ELC’s $2.8 billion acquisition of TOM FORD. Boston-based global vice chair Sarah Gagan is one of the lead partners in the US. Other key individuals include Anthony Klein in Silicon Valley whose ‘knowledge of the technology industry is unmatched’, Ghaith Mahmoud in Los Angeles, and highly rated counsel Kieran Dickinson in Washington DC.

Practice head(s):

Sarah Gagan


Other key lawyers:

Anthony Klein; Ghaith Mahmood; Kieran Dickinson


Testimonials

‘The Latham team is very knowledgeable, responsive and practical. They have been great partners for us over the last 10 years.’

‘They are great negotiators, understand the market, focus on the important things and are very practical. They are also extremely hard-working and responsive – they make me feel like I am the only client (which I know I am not)’

‘They are the most accountable and thoughtful advisors I’ve ever worked with.’

‘The Latham Partners that we have worked with use their specialized skill sets effectively across a broad spectrum of sectors to accelerate and protect the company’s business.’

‘The knowledge, skill sets, and adaptability to the company’s unique needs are unmatched in our experience working with top 100 law firms. Kieran Dickinson’s ability to take highly complex licensing structures and apply them to our group of companies has created a solid yet flexible foundation for the future.’

‘Anthony (“Tony”) Klein has been an individual that we consider a key partner in the industry. His understanding and knowledge of in the technology industry is unmatched and his ability to understand emerging trends and utilize them to our advantage is an extremely valuable asset to the Company.’

‘The team is uniquely knowledgeable about cutting edge technology transactions. They are well informed on the market and what the standards are for NFTs, Web3.0 and other developing technology. They are also exceedingly experienced in video game agreements and the video game industry (which I have found to be rare).’

‘Ghaith Mahmood and the team are responsive, knowledgeable, and experienced. I greatly trust their advice and I appreciate their guidance. I cannot emphasize enough how much better they are than every other law firm I’ve tried for advice and assistance in this sector.’

Key clients

Advanced Micro Devices


Airbnb


Amphenol Corp.


Apex Technology


ArchiMed


Autograph


Binance


Chevron USA


Clarify Health Solutions


Crimson Renewable Energy


Dapper Labs


Fandom, Inc.


Hyundai Motor Corporation


Intuitive Machines


Intuity Medical, Inc.


KKR


Leonard Green & Partners


Linode


Lucid Energy Group II


Madison Dearborn Partners


Meta Platforms, Inc.


Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Holdings, Inc.


Mojito, Inc.


NVIDIA


One Rock Capital


Ouster, Inc.


Pinterest


Plastiq, Inc.


Polygon Studios


RealBlocks


Silicon Motion Technology Corporation


Tower Semiconductor


Viasat


Work highlights


  • Advised Marcolin in the negotiation of a long-term license with The Estée Lauder Companies (ELC) for TOM FORD eyewear, as part of ELC’s US$2.8 billion acquisition of TOM FORD, expected to close during H1 2023.
  • Advised multiple clients in developments surrounding NFTs, Blockchain, the Metaverse and Web 3.0 and their convergence with intellectual property and commercial law, including Dapper Labs, Meta Platforms, Inc., Autograph and The Chainsmokers.
  • Advised multiple clients in the semiconductor space including Tower Semiconductor, Silicon Motion Technology Corporation and Advanced Micro Devices on the complex diligence, negotiations and compliance matters linked to their strategic transactions, acquisitions and investments.

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP has extremely good experience representing companies and investors operating in the technology and life sciences industries. The team has developed good credentials for standalone technology and IP deals, including advice on patent acquisitions and divestitures, licensing arrangements, research and development collaborations, and technology and IP-focused joint ventures and strategic alliances. A recent highlight included advising Eli Lilly and Company on a license agreement to acquire exclusive global rights to antibody-drug conjugates for the targeted treatment of cancer  from ImmunoGen. This expertise feeds through into the broader support the team provides to the corporate finance group, including advice on corporate M&A and private equity buyouts, banking and finance transactions, and restructuring matters. Jeffrey Osterman  and Charan Sandhu  jointly lead the market-leading team, which also includes Karen Ballack  in Silicon Valley, and the department’s founder and former head, Michael Epstein. All partners are based in New York unless otherwise stated.


Practice head(s):

Jeffrey Osterman; Charan Sandhu; Karen Ballack


Key clients

Advent International


Allego Holding B.V.


American Securities


Avista Capital Partners


Bain Capital Private Equity


Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.


Blackstone


Briggs & Stratton Corporation


Brookfield


ChargePoint, Inc.


Churchill Capital Group


Cornell Capital


Eli Lilly and Company


Exide Technologies


Getty Images Inc.


Goldman Sachs


The Gores Group


Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc.


Hologic, Inc.


Iron Mountain Incorporated


L’Oréal USA


Magellan Health, Inc.


Main Event Entertainment, Inc.


Marquee Raine Acquisition Corp.


Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.


MGM Resorts International


Micron Technology, Inc.


MSP Recovery, LLC


NEOGEN Corporation


Northrop Grumman


NPC International Inc.


The Progeria Research Foundation


Providence Equity Partners


PSG


Sanofi


SiriusXM


Skillsoft Corporation


TPG


Trebia Acquisition Corp.


Vonage Holdings Corp.


Work highlights


  • Advised MSP Recovery, LLC, on the technology & IP aspects of its $32.6 billion business combination with Lionheart Acquisition Corp. II, a SPAC sponsored by Lionheart Equities and Nomura Securities International.
  • Advised Maxim Integrated Products, a designer, developer and manufacturer of integrated circuits, on the technology and IP aspects of its $27.5 billion sale to Analog Devices, in a transaction that valued the combined enterprise at over $68 billion.
  • Advised Gores Guggenheim, a SPAC sponsored by affiliates of The Gores Group and Guggenheim Capital, on its $20 billion business combination with Polestar Performance AB (Sweden).

Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP

Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP is praised for bringing ‘significant experience that uniquely adds traditional intellectual property and commercial data licensing and privacy to provide full service, experienced counsel on modern issues‘. The firm’s market leading M&A practice invariably leads to a significant amount of corporate transactional support, with deals such as advising CyrusOne on its $15 billion takeover by KKR and Global Infrastructure Partners.  The firm’s capacity for more pure technology transactional matters can be seen in its advice to IBM on its agreement with McDonald’s to accelerate the development and deployment of its Automated Order Taking technology in a deal which involved the acquisition of McD Tech Labs. IP co-head David Kappos  combines well with global co-head George Schoen to form a compelling offering. Corporate partner Keith Hallam is another key name within the team.

Practice head(s):

David Kappos; George Schoen


Other key lawyers:

Keith Hallam


Testimonials

‘Cravath’s team brings significant experience that uniquely adds traditional intellectual property and commercial data licensing and privacy to provide full service, experienced counsel on modern issues.’

‘The individuals have sufficient experience that I believe they have seen all issues before – so we do not have to train them on technology transactions.’

Key clients

ADT


Afterpay


Amazon.com


IBM


Just Eat Takeaway.com


Light & Wonder


Micro Focus


Pitney Bowes


Qualcomm


RELX


Robotic Research


Swvl


Thermo Fisher


Work highlights


  • Represented Scientific Games (n/k/a Light & Wonder) in the $6.05 billion sale of SG Lottery to Brookfield and the $1.2billion sale of OpenBet to Endeavor.
  • Represented Robotic Research in its $228million Series A financing round, consisting of a private placement of class A preferred shares led by SoftBank Vision Fund 2.
  • Representing Just Eat Takeaway.com in its commercial partnership with Amazon.

Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP

Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP has a comprehensive technology and outsourcing practice that works on standalone matters, as well as in conjunction with the firm’s broader M&A department. Key areas of expertise include the licensing of IP and technology assets, collaboration, branding and sponsorship agreements, as well as advice on research and development, and joint ventures. Notable standalone highlights include advising Grubhub on its partnership with Buyk, a grocery delivery service, which allows customers to make purchases from Buyk locations on Grubhub’s proprietary ordering systems. Frank Azzopardi leads the well-regarded New York-based team. He is backed by Pritesh Shah, who advises on IP, data privacy and technology matters. in addition to Matthew Bacal who has good experience of strategic licensing, development and outsourcing agreements.

Practice head(s):

Frank Azzopardi


Other key lawyers:

Pritesh Shah; Matthew Bacal


Work highlights


DLA Piper LLP (US)

DLA Piper LLP (US) is commended for fielding a team of ‘very strong corporate transaction attorneys with significant relationships across growth capital’. In addition to advising on IP and technology-driven corporate and private equity M&A, the lawyers have good experience of cross-border IT and strategic sourcing transactions across a range of technologies, including AI, the Internet of Things, and blockchain. The multidisciplinary team also handles IP licensing and collaboration deals, and assists clients on complex international data transfer agreements. Chicago-based partner Vincent Sanchez  is the global co-chair of the firm’s technology transactions. Key partners include Victoria Lee, managing partner of the firm’s Silicon Valley office and former global co-chair of the firm’s technology sector group. Clients also recommend the ‘always available‘ corporate finance partner Randy Socol in San Diego. Gregory Manter  (San Diego) also has a good track record for outsourcing matters.

Practice head(s):

Vincent Sanchez


Other key lawyers:

Victoria Lee; Randy Socol; Gregory Manter


Testimonials

‘Very strong corporate transaction attorneys with significant relationships across growth capital.’

‘Randy Socol is always available.’

 

Key clients

TikTok


Wipro Ltd.


Netflix


CoreLogic


Qualcomm Incorporated


Softbank Group Corporation


Twitter


HCL Technologies


Paylocity


DocuSign


Work highlights


  • Represented Microsoft’s corporate venture capital fund in multiple venture funding investments during the past 12 months.
  • Represented Softbank’s corporate venture capital fund (Softbank Vision Fund) in more than 20 venture funding investments during the past 12 months.
  • Represented QUALCOMM in numerous M&A transactions during the past 12 months.

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP is praised for its ‘clear depth of experience‘ and its ability to always ‘help find creative alternatives to the most complex of situations‘. Clients also credit the firm for being ‘a true business advisor that can help you think through the business impact of the legal decisions‘. The practice has a strong focus on the full range of IP transactions and licensing agreements, as well as other forms of outsourcing and commercial contracts. Coupled with this is a high level of support on technology-related M&A across multiple sub-sectors, including telecoms, cleantech, semiconductor devices., social media and software. Boston-based global practice head Doneld Shelkey has a good track record in cloud-based technologies, NFTs, robotics, data analytics and blockchain. Other key partners include Barbara Melby in Philadelphia and Rahul Kapoor in Silicon Valley, who leads the West Coast practice. New York corporate partner Sheryl Orr  is particularly active on the M&A side.


Practice head(s):

Doneld Shelkey


Other key lawyers:

Barbara Melby; Rahul Kapoor; Sheryl Orr


Testimonials

‘Clear depth of experience, always able to help find creative alternatives to the most complex of situations, an understanding of the importance of legal strategy in managing company initiatives phase by phase.’

‘What I appreciate about the legal team at Morgan Lewis is that they provide me sound guidance on not simply the pure legal issues affecting my company, but how the legal strategy/ approach can further assist my business partners in achieving their goals.’

 

Key clients

AES Corporation


AmerisourceBergen


Aras Corporation


Axon Enterprise, Inc.


Becton Dickinson


Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana


Colgate-Palmolive


DigitalBridge Group, Inc.


Elevance Heath (fka Anthem)


Embecta


GW Lisk Co., Inc.


Independence Blue Cross (IBC)


Ingram Micro


Merck


New Imagitas (a Red Ventures portfolio company)


Omnispace


Oracle


Ortholite


OTO Systems, Inc.


Platinum Equity


Ravenswood Solutions


Relay Networks


Sabre


Samsung


SanDisk


Sandvik, Inc.


SEI


SpotOn Transact


Third Point Ventures


Turtle Beach


Vanguard


Western Digital (SanDisk)


Xperi Corporation


Zayo Group Holdings, Inc.


ZOA Energy, LLC


Work highlights


  • Representing Sabre, a leading software and technology provider that powers the global travel industry, in several transactions, including the negotiation of a 10-year strategic partnership with Google as Sabre’s preferred cloud provider.
  • Representing Vanguard, the wealth management giant, in its 10-year strategic partnership with Infosys that is designed to deliver a technology-driven approach to DC plan administration and fundamentally reshape the corporate retirement plan experience for Vanguard’s 1,500 plan sponsors and 5 million participants.
  • Representing Avalon Corp, an electronics entertainment start-up developing patentable technology to deliver a metaverse style gaming experience primarily leveraging blockchain technologies.

Morrison Foerster

Morrison Foerster has an all-encompassing technology practice with a good track record for representing global clients on cross-border transactions. Patent and technology licensing and acquisitions feature prominently on the agenda, as does advice on joint ventures and development projects, outsourcing, strategic alliances, and distribution and supply agreements. The team also has good credentials for support on related M&A and private equity work, and is noted for its strong portfolio of Asia-based technology clients. Aaron Rubin  leads the team from the well-stocked San Francisco office, which also includes Tessa Schwartz , William Schwartz, Justin Haan and firm chair and corporate partner Eric McCrath. Other key partners include Stephanie Sharron and Daphne Higgs in Silicon Valley, Vivian Hanson in New York and Matthew Karlyn in Boston.


Practice head(s):

Aaron Rubin


Other key lawyers:

Vivian Hanson; Stephanie Sharron; Tessa Schwartz; William Schwartz; Eric McCrath; Justin Haan; Daphne Higgs


Key clients

Autodesk


BOOK Token


eBay


Gemini Trust


onsemi


Salesforce


SoftBank


Uber Technologies


Unity Software


VMware


Work highlights


  • Advised Unity, a leading platform for creating and operating interactive, real-time 3D (RT3D) content, in connection with its approximately $4.4 billion acquisition of ironSource, a leading mobile content and business platform.
  • Represented SoftBank Group and SoftBank Vision Fund in the proposed $65 billion sale of UK-headquartered multinational semiconductor and software design company Arm Limited to U.S. chip company NVIDIA.
  • Advised Endurance Acquisition Corp. on its $813 million combination with SatixFy Communications Ltd., an Israeli  vertically integrated fabless semiconductor chip company for next-generation satellite communication systems.

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP has built up an enviable client base which includes some of the world’s largest technology companies, from major global giants to recent startups and disruptors. The team’s breadth ensures that it can handle the full range of needs, with advice on transactional IP and licensing, outsourcing and service agreements, as well as corporate finance support in M&A, joint ventures and financings. The team is regularly advises on emerging technologies including AI-driven products, cryptocurrency and NFTs, and autonomous driving. The energy tech side has also been busy, with the firm advising Fulcrum BioEnergy on its development, custom engineering and catalyst supply agreements for developing waste to fuel plants. Daniel Yost  and Sarah Schaedler jointly lead the team, which includes corporate partners Colleen McDuffie and David Schulman in Washington DC, IP licensing partner Shana Solomon in Boston, and Daniel Forester in New York.










Practice head(s):

Daniel Yost; Sarah Schaedler


Other key lawyers:

Colleen McDuffie; David Schulman; Daniel Forester; Shana Solomon;


Key clients

Weta Digital


Occidental Petroleum Corp.


Luminar


Fulcrum BioEnergy


Trimble


Turn/River Capital


Shopify


Gap


Mina Foundation


Twist Bioscience


Bayer


Ferring Pharmaceuticals


Volastra Therapeutics


Descartes Labs


Serve Robotics


Work highlights


  • Advised Weta Digital on the sale of its VFX technology division to Unity Software for $1.625 billion in a combination of cash and Unity stock.
  • Advised Occidental Petroleum, a market leader in underground storage and enhanced oil recovery, on the commercialization of Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage technology to capture CO2 from the air and permanently sequester it underground.
  • Advised Luminar Technologies, a leading lidar autonomous driving technology company, on its merger with Gores Metropoulos, a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC).

Venable LLP

Venable LLP has a cross-departmental technology, media and commercial group spread throughout the firm’s corporate and IP transactions departments. The firm offers a comprehensive service to both its technology customer and vendor clients who work across a diverse range of industries, including media, financial services, automotive, hospitality, life sciences, healthcare and consumer products. The firm has seen an increasing amount of work in the media sector, particularly in relation to NFTs. Clients also benefit from the team’s expertise in related areas such as advertising, and privacy and cybersecurity, which is particularly important for data-driven transactions. The team is co-chaired by Jim Nelson in San Francisco and William Russell and Armand Zottola in Washington DC.

Practice head(s):

James Nelson; William Russell; Armand Zottola


Key clients

GE Healthcare


Caliza LLC (HelloLanding.com)


Glo Digital, Inc. (formerly YogaGlo, Inc.)


Shoshin Works, LLC


Electrify America LLC


GitGuardian SAS


ZeroFox, Inc.


Vanguard Renewables


Work highlights


  • Advising GE Healthcare on technology collaboration deals, joint development deals, global distribution arrangements, technology and patent licenses, software licensing and SaaS/cloud transactions, artificial intelligence (AI) matters, and various other strategic alliances and ventures.
  • Advising Caliza (a/k/a Hello Landing) in structuring and organizing its portfolio of customer and vendor agreements, as well as various advertising and trademark matters.
  • Outside counsel to a global hospitality company in a variety of technology-related commercial transactions, including two private label arrangements for the online marketing and distribution of lodging accommodations and meeting space.

WilmerHale

WilmerHale provides a strong spread of services to its technology clients, including support on VC financings and M&A, through to advice on licensing, outsourcing, joint venture, development and distribution agreements. IP portfolio development and commercialisation is another key feature within the highly experienced team. The firm’s lawyers are also increasingly advising on the cybersecurity and privacy-related aspects of major transactions involving big data. Notable highlights include assisting Factorial Energy, a solid-state battery start-up, on agreements with Mercedes-Benz and Stellantis to commercialize its battery technology. Practice chair Mick Bain is backed by a deep bench which includes Jeff Johnson, Ariel Soiffer, and in San Francisco, Mat Trachok. Steven Barrett is ‘legally exceptional but with business practicality in mind’. All partners are based in Boston unless otherwise stated.

Practice head(s):

Mick Bain


Other key lawyers:

Jeff Johnson; Ariel Soiffer; Mat Trachok; Steven Barrett


Testimonials

‘Steven Barrett: smart, incisive, legally exceptional but with business practicality in mind, affable, hard-working and diligent, easy to work with.’

Key clients

Allegiant Air


Analog Devices


CubicPV


Forendo Pharma


Harmonix Music Systems, Inc


Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Company


Inpher


nference Inc.


Nth Party


Verana Networks


Work highlights


  • Represented Allegiant Air in an agreement with Viva Aerobus that will allow the ultra-low-cost airlines to offer codeshare nonstop US-Mexico flights.
  • Represented Factorial Energy, a solid-state battery start-up, on its highly publicized separate agreements with Mercedes-Benz and Stellantis to commercialize Factorial’s battery technology.
  • Representing the privacy enhancing technology leader Inpher, in negotiating complex license to use agreements with multiple organizations and their sublicensees, allowing those organizations to share and analyze data in a way that preserves the confidentiality of that data.

Baker Botts L.L.P.

Baker Botts L.L.P. has a ‘wide range of experience making it easy to get complicated multi-topic issues addressed’. Clients particularly appreciate the firm’s willingness to ‘dig into details to understand the business goals‘. A major sweet spot is in energy tech, where the firm’s deep roots in the energy sector combine with its sizeable IP team. Beyond the energy sector, the firm represents technology clients and investors on a wide range of strategic transactions, including licensing, distribution, outsourcing and development agreements. Samantha Hale Crispin  and Jonathan Gordon respectively lead the team from Dallas and New York. Washington DC-based IP transactions chair, Luke Pedersen, is another key team member.

Practice head(s):

Samantha Hale Crispin; Jonathan Gordon


Other key lawyers:

Luke Pedersen


Testimonials

‘The team is diverse and has a wide range of experience making it easy to get complicated multi-topic issues addressed.’

‘They take the time to dig into details to understand your business goals, but don’t get mired in them or waste time.’

 

Key clients

Diamondback Energy, Inc.


DZS, Inc.


ESO Solutions, Inc.


Form Automation Solutions, Inc.


Gaddis Partners, Ltd D/B/A T3


GCI Liberty, Inc.


Ifly Holdings LLC


Liberty Broadband Corporation


Liberty Media Corporation


Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc.


Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp.


MSG Networks Inc.


OncoNano Medicine, Inc.


Oxford Nanopore Technologies Limited


Qurate Retail, Inc.


Renibus Therapeutics, Inc.


Salem Partners LLC


Toyota Motor North America, Inc.


Walt Disney Company, The


Wellsky


Zix Corporation


Work highlights


  • Represented QVC in its cash tender offer to purchase any and all of the $750 million outstanding aggregate principal amount of its 4.375% Senior Secured Notes due 2023.
  • Represented Liberty Media in its limited partner investment in a venture capital fund managed by Griffin Gaming Partners, a Santa Monica-based venture capital firm focused on the gaming industry.
  • Representing Strattam Technologies, a private equity firm, and its portfolio companies in mergers, acquisitions, divestitures and investments.

Baker McKenzie LLP

Baker McKenzie LLP has a strong bench of technology transactions lawyers spread throughout its US office network, including key hubs in Chicago, New York and Silicon Valley. The firm has a good track record on a range of issues, including IT procurement, integration and maintenance contracts, collaboration and partnership agreements, M&A and joint ventures. The firm has notable credentials for outsourcing matters, where partners such as Michael Mensik, Samuel Kramer and Peter George are all very active. Global Co-head Adam Aft and Pamela Church (New York) are especially experienced on the IP transactions side. In Silicon Valley Cynthia Cole is a key contact for IP transactions while Lisa Fontenot handles related corporate and M&A matters. Partners are based in Chicago unless otherwise stated.

Practice head(s):

Peter George; Adam Aft; Pamela Church


Other key lawyers:

Michael Mensik; Samuel Kramer; Cynthia Cole; Lisa Fontenot


Key clients

DFINITY Foundation


PayPal, Inc.


Work highlights


  • Advising the DFINITY Foundation, one of the world’s leading DeFi projects on a wide spectrum of legal and regulatory matters.
  • Legal advisors to PayPal, the online payments provider, on a range of matters.

Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton

Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton has an impressive multidisciplinary service with a good track record in advising clients on a broad range of technology needs. In addition to high-end M&A support, the lawyers have credentials in advising on IP licensing and related transactions across a spectrum of sub-sectors, including AI, big data, cloud solutions, fintech, gaming, software and semiconductors. Recent office openings in Palo Alto and San Francisco, and the related recruitments of Christopher Moore and Marcela Robledo from Hogan Lovells US LLP and Baker McKenzie respectively, have added further strength. The new arrivals offer high quality backing to the experienced Daniel Ilan in New York, a top choice IP licensing counsel for the likes of Alphabet/Google, Sony Interactive Entertainment and OpenText.

Practice head(s):

Daniel Ilan; Marcela Robledo; Christopher Moore


Key clients

Alphabet/Google


Sony Corporation


Sony Interactive Entertainment


Angel Pond Holdings Corporation


Johnson Controls


GlobalFoundries


OpenText Corporation


Wag!


Warburg Pincus


Sixth Street


International Flavors & Fragrances


dMY Technology Group


Work highlights


  • Advised Google on its acquisition of Raxium.
  • Advised Voya on its announced agreement to acquire BenefitFocus.
  • Advised Sony Interactive Entertainment on its $3.6 billion acquisition of Bungie.

Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP

The technology sector is a core focus for Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP, which offers clients a wide range of services. The corporate side regularly handles a wide venture capital and M&A work, and the firm truly stands out in the outsourcing space, where it offers in-depth expertise on all stages of contract negotiations and delivery. Regulatory law and transactional IP and licensing are other areas of strength, with clients including Xerox, Allspring Global Investments and Meta Platforms. Washington DC’s Aaron Oser leads the global sourcing team, which includes key partners such as John Barton and Elizabeth Zimmer in Austin, and Vipul Nishawala in New York. In San Francisco, technology and media industry group leader, Justin Hovey, is also recommended.

Practice head(s):

Justin Hovey


Other key lawyers:

Aaron Oser; John Barton; Elizabeth Zimmer; Vipul Nishawala


Key clients

Xerox Corporation


Allspring Global Investments


Blackhawk Network, Inc.


YapStone, Inc.


Meta Platforms, Inc.


CoinDesk and TradeBlock


Larva Labs


Tomo Networks


Milo Credit


SecurityScorecard


1stdibs.com


Xendit


Thesis


VirSec Systems


SYNNEX Corporation


Concept Art House


Proof of Learn


SuperTeam Games


Bluepoint Games


Upland Software


Work highlights


Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP has a ‘very nimble‘ New York-based team who are ‘knowledgeable in all areas of IP and tech, and are able to manage very different types of transactions‘. The practice is invariably very busy on the M&A and private equity support side, providing critical advice on IP and tech driven corporate transactions, including expertise in related areas such as privacy and cybersecurity. Key to the firm’s success in this area is practice head Lori Lesser, who brings a ‘very experienced and has a hands-on approach‘. The practice was also boosted in 2022 by the recruitment of partner Jessica Cohen from Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP. ‘Fantastic‘ associate Alysha Sekhon is ‘smart, on top of things and a tireless advocate‘.

Practice head(s):

Lori Lesser


Other key lawyers:

Jessica Cohen; Alysha Sekhon


Testimonials

‘Simpson Thacher are industry experts. They understand not only the law but also the business. Unlike many other law firms, their legal advice is practical actionable advice.’

‘Lori Lesser, Alysha Sekhon…both of these individuals always make themselves available to me and get the job done.’

‘The IP transactions practice at STB is very nimble – the attorneys of that practice are knowledgeable in all areas of IP and tech, and are able to manage very different types of transactions using an efficient and nimble team.’

‘Lori Lesser is very experienced and has a hands-on approach, able to quickly respond to client demands and coming up with very creative solutions to client problems. Associate Alysha Sekhon is fantastic – smart, on top of things and a tireless advocate.’

Key clients

Blackstone


CSL Behring


Dell


Hellman & Friedman


L3Harris


Microsoft Corporation


Refinitiv


Silver Lake


TD Bank


TransUnion


Work highlights


  • Advised Microsoft Corporation in two blockbuster acquisitions, including its announced $75 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard, Inc. and its $19.7 billion acquisition of Nuance Communication.
  • Advised TransUnion in several acquisitions, including its $3.1 billion acquisition of Neustar, an information services and technology company and a leader in identity resolution, and its  $515 million acquisition of Verisk Financial Services.
  • Advised Blackstone in its acquisition of a majority stake in Spanx, Inc. from its founder in a transaction that values Spanx at $1.2 billion.

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP has a well regarded technology transactions and IP group that is jointly led out of New York by Stuart Levi and Bruce Goldner. The team is especially experienced in providing related advice on M&A transactions, where corporate partner Howard Ellin is also very active. The firm’s Los Angeles office also houses several lawyers, including David Eisman, with strong credentials for transactions in the entertainment industry, including related IP advice.

Practice head(s):

Stuart Levi; Bruce Goldner; David Eisman


Work highlights


White & Case LLP

White & Case LLP has a strong team of technology transactions lawyers working throughout key US hubs, including New York, Silicon Valley, Los Angels, Washington DC, and Tampa. The lawyers have specialised expertise across a range of technology sub-sectors, including energytech, software, social media, automotives and fintech. The team is led global practice head Arlene Arin Hahn who regularly leads on cutting edge projects and technologies such as carbon capture. Other key partners include Erin Hanson, who acts for some of the world’s largest social media platforms, Andres Liivak, who is especially experienced in life sciences and healthtech, and in Los Angeles, Linda Sim, who has over 20 years experience advising on technology and outsourcing matters. All named partners are based in New York unless otherwise stated.

Practice head(s):

Arlene Arin Hahn


Other key lawyers:

Erin Hanson; Andres Liivak; Linda Sim


Key clients

Ministry of Finance of the Republic of El Salvador


SES Holdings Pte. Ltd.


Rhodium Group


Saudi Aramco


LOTTE Corporation


TIER Mobility


ADVANZ PHARMA


AMCI Acquisition Corp. II


Vox Media


Goldman Sachs


Work highlights


  • Represening the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of El Salvador in respect of its incorporation of bitcoin as legal tender, consisting of law and regulation writing, commercial agreement negotiation and drafting, and other strategic advice given geo-political considerations.
  • Representing Saudi Aramco, one of the worlds largest integrated energy and chemical companies, on its acquisition of the Global Products Business of  Valvoline, a world leader in lubricants technology, that operates a global network of research and development labs and distribution and customer services in 140 countries.
  • Representing SES Holdings, the developer and manufacturer of high-performance hybrid lithium-metal rechargeable batteries for electric vehicles, in its $3.6 billion business combination with Ivanhoe Capital Acquisition Corp., creating the first publicly traded hybrid Li-Metal battery company.

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP has an ‘extremely collaborative and professional‘ team with ‘bright, hardworking‘ lawyers. The offering combines a mix of IP, technology and transactional work across multiple areas, including semiconductors, software, crypto, cleantech, life sciences and healthcare. Salesforce is a major client which regularly uses the firm on technology and infrastructure deals, including the development of its Einstein smart speaker product. Meta Platforms regularly instructs firm, including on agreements for the purchase of over $1 billion in servers per year. Matthew Berger chairs the team, which receives strong input from Palo Alto managing partner, Tiffany Lee.

Practice head(s):

Matthew Berger


Other key lawyers:

Tiffany Lee


Testimonials

‘The WF&G team is extremely collaborative and professional in their interactions with the client. Their broad knowledge base, in terms of client experience, is also truly unique.’

‘Each team member takes the time to understand the situation and then collaboratively will work to construct an optimal path forward (solution wise). And then each team member is able to deliver their input.’

‘The individuals are extremely bright, hardworking – yet they put the inputs together for a cohesive strategy.’

Key clients

Salesforce


Meta Platforms, Inc. (formerly Facebook)


Meta Technologies, LLC (formerly Oculus)


LG Display


City of Hope


Dong-A Pharmaceutical


Akorn Operating Company LLC


LG Innotek Co., Ltd.


FTV Capital


Alpine Investors


Verikai Inc.


Xponential Fitness, Inc.


OneRecord, LLC


QuEra Computing


AIRNA


Work highlights


  • Advised a cloud-based software company in the structuring, negotiating, and drafting of major technology acquisition and infrastructure deals.
  • Advised a large social media company in the design, development, manufacture, supply, support and maintenance of its servers and other data centers, and drafting and negotiating agreements relating to consumer hardware.
  • Representing Dong-A Pharmaceutical in technology transactional matters involving multiple listed pharma companies.

Allen & Overy LLP

Allen & Overy LLP has an ‘excellent ‘ team with ‘experts in their fields‘. The firm has established a strong US presence to offer support on a broad range of technology-related transactions, including the procurement and development of products and services and advice on IP licensing, joint ventures, partnership agreements and M&A. Silicon Valley-based global co-head Daren Orzechowski has ‘deep experience in negotiating complex technology agreements for licensing and M&A‘. He is backed by the highly experienced Alex Touma in San Francisco, and Adam Chernichaw in New York.

Practice head(s):

Daren Orzechowski


Other key lawyers:

Alex Touma; Adam Chernichaw


Testimonials

‘Daren Orzechowski has deep experience in negotiating complex technology agreements for licensing and M&A.’

‘The team is excellent at understanding our company’s deep product insights and providing bespoke legal advice. More importantly, they understand our risk tolerances and always move things forward to achieve our company goals.’

‘Daren Orzechowski is my go-to partner for anything that I need help on; he is always the first person I contact whenever I am in need of outside counsel support.’

Key clients

Robinhood


Meta Platforms, Inc and its affiliates (Instagram and WhatsApp)


Zynga


Slack


Block


Step Mobile


Box (details of the matter to remain confidential)


Aidentyx


Haveli Investments


Work highlights


Eversheds Sutherland

The well-regarded team at Eversheds Sutherland is commended for its ‘deep knowledge of transaction structuring'. Its support is extended to a broad range of clients including software, business-to-business, telecoms, data analytics, game developers and hardware and electronics manufacturers. Atlanta-based senior counsel Peter Quittmeyer has an extremely good track record in the market, while TMT head William Dudzinsky in Washington DC is particularly experienced on the automotive and mobility side. A ‘consummate professional‘, Ted Cominos in Chicago goes ‘the extra distance‘.


Practice head(s):

William Dudzinsky


Other key lawyers:

Peter Quittmeyer; Ted Cominos


Testimonials

‘The team is very responsive, hands-on, and knowledgeable about legal issues and otherwise on tech transactions in general and cross-border deals in particular. I would gladly work with them on ever transaction I do.’

‘Very responsive, knowledgeable, creative, and excellent at doing their job. They don’t just identify risks. They work to mitigate them and help their clients understand which risks are acceptable in light of the deal circumstances.’

‘International presence. Strong client communication skills. Extensive experience in the technology space with deep knowledge of transaction structuring issues and how to effectively negotiate with large public technology acquirers.’

‘I worked closely with Ted Cominos who is consummate professional that builds close and trusting relationships with clients and other transaction team members.’

Key clients

State of Georgia (Georgia Technology Authority)


Emory University (Drug Innovation Ventures at Emory, LLC)


Fiserv, Inc. (including First Data Corporation)


FLEETCOR Technologies, Inc.


Medlytix, LLC


GlobalFood Tech


Work highlights


  • Advising Medlytix on establishing its service and distribution network and maintaining compliance with consumer credit and health care privacy regulatory schemes.
  • Represented Emory University on a range of high-level drug development and licensing projects, including assisting Emory and its DRIVE accelerator with its licensing and spin-off of drug discoveries.
  • Advising Fiserv on a range of technology transactions, including in the acquisition of Spend Labs by merger.

Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP

Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP provides ‘comprehensive knowledge of the market, business-driven advice, and a well-coordinated team‘ . The firm has a good handle on a range of related issues, including technology partnership agreements, IP licensing and data analytics issues. linked to big data and machine learning. This extends to a range of new technologies and products, including fintech, healthtech and cloud-based artificial intelligence platforms. Amir Ghavi and Jason Greenberg jointly lead the team, which combines well with the broader corporate practice including ‘extremely knowledgeable, thoughtful, excellent advisors‘, such as Steven Epstein. All lawyers mentioned are based in New York.

Practice head(s):

Amir Ghavi; Jason Greenberg


Other key lawyers:

Steven Epstein


Testimonials

‘Comprehensive knowledge of the market, business-driven advice, and a well-coordinated team’

‘Extremely knowledgeable, thoughtful, excellent advisors. Particularly Steven Epstein.’

Key clients

Ascential


AEA Investors


Beckton, Dickinson and Company


Catalent


CVS Health


Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc.


Genesys


Goldman Sachs


LivePerson, Inc.


New Mountain Capital


Odin Automotive


Permira


RedBird Capital Partners


Seismic Software, Inc.


Standard General


Stella Point Capital


Stepstone


Stability AI Ltd


Picsart


AmplifyBio


Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc.


Plume Design, Inc.


Sumitomo Bank


Advent Bio


Signal Technology Foundation


Advanced Integration Technology


Work highlights


  • Acted as counsel to Permira and a buyer consortium, in the $14 billion acquisition of McAfee Corporation, a global leader in online protection.
  • Acted as counsel to Permira and a consortium of investors that included Hellman & Friedman, the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority and GIC (Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund) in the $10.2 billion all-cash take private of Zendesk.
  • Acted as counsel to leading artificial intelligence company Stability AI, in its development, release and commercialization of the ground-breaking open sourced image generation software, Stable Diffusion.

Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP

Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP has an experienced cross-disciplinary technology group with expertise in commercial contracts, outsourcing, IP and software licensing, M&A and joint venture agreements. The firm has recently advised several clients in the development and implementation of AI and machine learning technologies, including related issues on data privacy, ownership and rights. Jeffrey Harvey leads the well-regarded team from Richmond. Other key partners include IP co-head Tyler Maddry and Cecilia Oh in Washington DC. Randall Parks and Andrew Geyer in Richmond are also key.

Practice head(s):

Jeff Harvey


Other key lawyers:

Tyler Maddry; Cecilia Oh; Randall Parks; Andrew Geyer


Key clients

The Association of International Certified Professional Accountants


CoBank


Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc.


ScanSource, Inc.


3D Systems Corporation


Alkami Technology, Inc.


Work highlights


  • Assisting a large bank with several technology matters, including the negotiation and documentation of the bank’s entire online banking platform.
  • Advising a publicly traded medical device company with ongoing general contracting support that includes reviewing supplier contracts.
  • Advising a private equity firm that invests in technology assets on technology-related agreements and other commercial contracts.

McGuireWoods LLP

McGuireWoods LLP has developed a prominent track record in representing investors, including private equity funds, strategic buyers and banks, on high value M&As, joint ventures, IPOs and financings where IP is a key asset. The team is also active in standalone technology transactions, including IP licensing and transfers, and broader collaboration, software-as-a-service and outsourcing agreements. Sector strengths include fintech, artificial intelligence, blockchain and the internet-of-things. In addition to technology companies, the firm also represents end-users. Rakesh Gopalan leads the team from Charlotte, with Richmond-based corporate partner, James Anderson, also active in the space.

Practice head(s):

Rakesh Gopalan


Other key lawyers:

James Anderson


Key clients

AvidXchange, Inc.


Simpler Trading


THRIVE Networks


E-Technologies Group


Banyan Technologies


Segue Technologies


Teledyne Technologies, Inc.


Silverchair


3D Systems (NYSE: DDD)


Work highlights


  • Advised Simpler Trading in connection with a majority investment from private equity firm ZMC to accelerate Simpler Trading’s growth and expand key technology and offerings.
  • Represented AvePoint, a publicly traded SaaS and data management platform provider, in its cross-border acquisition of tyGraph.
  • Represented Direct Digital Holdings, an end-to-end full-service digital advertising platform, inclosing its $15.4 million initial public offering of Class A common stock, which trades on Nasdaq.

Proskauer Rose LLP

Proskauer Rose LLP has a full service offering which encompasses standalone e-commerce, content production and distribution, rights and licensing arrangements, as well as corporate support on M&A, joint ventures and financings. Its lawyers’ expertise covers a broad range of areas, and they are particularly active in sports, media and entertainment, blockchain, biometrics and big data. Notable recent highlights include advising Sony Electronics on its collaboration with Theta Labs to launch 3D non-fungible tokens. Jeffrey Neuburger and Robert Freeman jointly lead the team from New York. Partner Wai Choy is developing a strong name in this area and co-founded the firm’s blockchain group.

Practice head(s):

Robert Freeman; Jeffrey Neuburger


Key clients

Doodles


Component Assembly


iHeartMedia


National Academy of the Recording Arts and Sciences


Sony Electronics


Condé Nast


TMRW Sports


SHoP Architects


The Eclipse Foundation


Rockefeller Capital Management


Miramax


Optimism


HSS Innovation Institute (Hospital for Special Surgery)


Museum of Modern Art


Work highlights


Ropes & Gray LLP

Ropes & Gray LLP has an active transactional team which provides strong support on buy-side and sell-side corporate and private equity M&A. Key to the firm’s success in the technology sector is its experienced bench of transactional IP specialists. In addition to corporate support, the team also advises on more standalone matters, including partnership agreements and product launches, such as NFTs. Key partners include Megan Baca, who co-heads the firm’s digital health practice, and TMT co-lead Edward Black in Boston. Violetta Kokolus in New York is also building a good name for IP transactional advice, plus the privacy and cybersecurity aspects of related M&A.

Practice head(s):

Andrew Thomases; Ed Black


Other key lawyers:

Violetta Kokolus


Key clients

McAfee


TPG Capital


HP Inc.


ServiceMax


Social Leverage Acquisition Corp


Forescout Technologies


Sixth Street


New Mountain Capital


Thomas H. Lee Partners


Aquiline Capital Partners


Berkshire Partners


H.I.G. Capital


NielsenIQ


Stripe


Work highlights


  • Advised TPG Capital in connection with many high value transactions in 2022.
  • Represented McAfee, a global computer security software company, in its $14 billion sale to an investor group.
  • Advised HP in its acquisition of Poly Inc., an audio and video devices maker, implying a total enterprise value of $3.3 billion.

Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP

Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP has an experienced cross-disciplinary technology transactions team which combines a mixtire of corporate, IP, and entertainment and media lawyers. The firm has been particularly busy advising media and entertainment companies on NFT launches, while on the M&A side, it assisted Sony Interactive Entertainment on its acquisition of the Seattle-based videogame developer Valkyrie Entertainment. The ‘responsive and knowledgeableBrian Anderson and Daniel Schnapp in New York jointly lead the team with Michael Orlando in San Diego and Marisa Brutoco in Orange County. ‘Excellent’ associate, Brittany Walter (San Diego), is also singled out for her ‘good eye towards substantive legal issues‘.

Practice head(s):

Brian Anderson; Michael Orlando; Daniel Schnapp; Marisa Brutoco


Other key lawyers:

Brittany Walter


Testimonials

‘Brian Anderson is a responsive and knowledgeable partner who is able to advise on a wide variety of issues from straight up technology licensing to sweepstakes and contests to music licensing.’

Work highlights


  • Strategic counsel and transactional support to the Non-Fungible Token platform Async Art, advising on the nuanced intellectual property issues arising out of the launch of Async’s music based offering (Async Music).
  • Represented Sony Interactive Entertainment in several major gaming transactions over the last year including its agreement to acquire Seattle-based videogame developer Valkyrie Entertainment, and the acquisition of Bluepoint Games.
  • Advised Under Armour in its first NFT launch into the Metaverse with digital Steph Curry Sneakers.