Headquartered in New York, the Intellectual Property team at Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton has expertise in patent licensing, strategic alliances, and IP due diligence in cross-border corporate and financing transactions, with experience working alongside sophisticated technology and pharmaceutical companies. The team’s efforts are spearheaded by New York-based Daniel Ilan and San Francisco-based Marcela Robledo. Ilan focuses on technology and AI transactions on behalf of multinational technology companies and private equity firms, while advising clients on transaction-related cybersecurity and privacy issues. Robledo is also a specialist in technology transactions, handling IP, data, and technology in mergers and acquisitions, licensing, and collaboration agreements.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Pragmatic advice on licensing issues’
'Cleary’s IP licensing practice is distinctive for high-end drafting and negotiation capability, clear, business-facing risk assessment, and the ability to handle complex IP structures without slowing the transaction. The team is responsive, collaborative, and calibrated—strong advocacy when needed, and practical problem-solving when that’s what the deal requires.'
'Daniel Ilan is a standout and one of the top IP licensing professionals in the field. He works incredibly hard and brings a rare mix of pragmatic deal instinct and academic mastery of licensing and patent concepts. He is bright, well-regarded, and consistently focused on achieving workable outcomes. I would work with him on any IP transaction.'
Key clients
- Alkermes
- Autonomy Five Conferences
- Baker Hughes
- Brookfield Asset Management
- CSL Vifor
- GSK
- Ontex Group
- Roquette
- Solventum
- Surf Air
- Synopsys
- The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
Work highlights
Representing Autonomy Five in connection with complex agreements involving the College Sports Commission (CSC).
Representing Baker Hughes in its $13.6 billion acquisition of Chart Industries Inc., a global leader in technologies used in the industrial gas, energy, and cryogenic sectors.
Representing GSK in its up to $2 billion acquisition of Boston Pharmaceuticals’ lead asset efimosfermin alfa.
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.
Practice head
Daniel Ilan; Marcela Robledo