Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP utilizes the deep bench strength of its nationwide practitioners to advise high-profile tech clients on IP transactional matters, with a pipeline in patent acquisitions and divestitures, licensing agreements, strategic alliances and joint ventures. The team is led in New York by Charan Sandhu, expert in complex tech transactions relating to the transfer, development and acquisition of IP. In Silicon Valley, Karen Ballack is recognized as a top strategic tech and IP transactional advisor, supporting clients in the development, commercialization and exploitation of IP. New York’s Dennis Adams, brings expertise in advising an array of industries, from the life sciences to tech, on the licensing, acquisition, development and use of IP. Also in New York, Olivia Greer draws on her experience as an information privacy professional to advise clients on privacy and data security issues. The team was strengthened by the rejoining of Max Scott in 2024, a specialist in technology- and IP-related transactions. Jeffrey Osterman departed the practice in March 2025 to Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The Weil transactional IP team is well-trained and are experienced in dealing with a diverse set of IP related issues in the transactional context. They are skilled negotiators and thoughtful drafters who approach complex issues with a "can-do", problem-solving mentality.’
‘Karen Ballack is one of the strongest drafters in the industry. She is meticulous, and her attention to detail and commitment to client service is second to none.'
- 'Charan Sandhu is a powerhouse negotiator, and is a trusted advisor in the patent licensing and settlement context.’
‘This firm has been providing exceptional pro bono services to our non-profit organization for over 20 years, and we have never felt any "second-rate" attention; we are treated with the same respect and attention as any client, receiving top-notch services from talented legal experts in the complicated field of IP and licensing. ’
‘Karen Ballack and Jeff Osterman are amazing. And if an expert is needed in a specialty that they themselves do not handle, they bring in others from the Weil team. We feel confident our rights are being protected in every possible way. ’
Key clients
- Advent International
- American Securities
- Astorg Partners
- Blue Star Innovation Partners LP
- Cedar Fair, L.P.
- Centerbridge Partners L.P.
- Clarience Technologies, LLC
- ChampionX Corporation
- Cobham Group Limited
- Cove Hill Partners, L.P.
Work highlights
- Advising The Kroger Co., a leading operator of retail, food, drug, jewelry, and convenience stores, on the technology, data privacy, and intellectual property aspects of several significant transactions.
- Advised Cedar Fair, L.P., an owner and operator of amusement parks, water parks and resort accommodations in the United States and Canada, on the technology, data privacy and IP aspects of its merger with Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, a regional theme park operator with 27 parks across the United States, Mexico and Canada, in a transaction that implies a combined enterprise value of approximately $8 billion.
- Aadvised Sunoco LP on the technology, data privacy and IP aspects of its approximately $7.3 billion acquisition of NuStar Energy L.P., a publicly traded master limited partnership that transports and stores crude oil and refined products.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next generation partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Dennis Adams
Olivia Greer
Practice head
Charan Sandhu
Other key lawyers
Karen Ballack; Dennis Adams; Olivia Greer; Max Scott