Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP’s IP & commercial transactions team is well regarded for supporting enterprises and organizations on tech matters arising from complex licensing issues affecting IP rights, including patent rights, patent prosecution and transferability of licensing agreements. The team leverages a deep understanding of IP law to provide comprehensive counsel to clients across retail, telecoms, semiconductor, tech and biotech industries. Frank Azzopardi heads the team, leveraging extensive experience in structuring and negotiating complex commercial transactions with notable focus on tech-related issues. David Bauer, head of life sciences transactions practice, advises on IP and tech-related corporate and commercial transactions. Pritesh Shah covers data privacy and technological aspects of IP including commercial and licensing agreements. Another notable figure is Matthew Bacal, an expert in data privacy and cyber security, who handles structuring, negotiating and drafting of complex commercial agreements. All named attorneys are based in New York.
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Accolades

Client satisfaction

Key clients

  • Airbus
  • Allegro Microsystems
  • Arcos Dorados
  • Campbell Soup Company
  • Comcast
  • Crane NXT
  • Diageo
  • Gilead Sciences
  • Fisker
  • Freeport-McMoran
  • Nordson
  • Ralph Lauren

Work highlights

Advised AC Immune, a Swiss clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, in connection with an exclusive, worldwide option and license agreement with Takeda for AC Immune’s active immunotherapies targeting toxic forms of amyloid beta (Abeta), including ACI-24.060 for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.
Advised Naftali Group, a New York-based real estate investment firm, on negotiating a commercial agreement with Fendi Casa. Under the agreement, Fendi Casa would furnish and provide interior design services for two penthouse units in a luxury Naftali condominium development in Miami and grant Naftali a license to use the Fendi Casa trademark and logo for marketing those penthouse units.
Advising Airbus, a European multinational aerospace company, on its agreement to acquire global manufacturing activities related to various components of the Airbus A350 and A220 from Kansas-based Spirit AeroSystems.

Practice head

Frank Azzopardi; David Bauer

Other key lawyers

Pritesh Shah; Matthew Bacal