
Jonathan S. Millard
Partner, Technology Transactions
San Francisco
We have over 40 licensing/transaction attorneys devoted full-time to counseling, drafting, and negotiating technology transactions and often acting as "outsourced general counsel" for technology companies.
We have deep knowledge in analyzing the transactions that are critical to any technology company, including:
We conduct detailed due diligence investigations regarding IP ownership and related issues in connection with internal IP audits, offerings, mergers and acquisitions and strategic transactions.
We also have extensive experience with university and research institute licensing, representing numerous top-tier research organizations across the globe on patent and other IP licensing issues, as well as regular negotiation with OTTs on behalf of private company clients.
With extensive knowledge and deal experience, our licensing team is able to quickly identify and assess issues that are critical to the value of the businesses of technology companies.
Tailored to meet each client's unique transaction needs, our approach includes:
Our due diligence analysis is performed with a clear understanding of the business drivers in a deal—what target assets are most valuable; what synergies the acquirer expects to achieve.
Our firm's depth of experience in IP portfolio analysis and litigation—for a broad range of clients and technologies—gives us immediate familiarity with many of the IP portfolios that are asserted against target companies in numerous industries. Because of our IP expertise, client base and long history of working with technology innovators, we can often provide rapid insight into risk exposure early on in diligence.
Due diligence with integration in mind
Our deal focus extends well beyond price and terms. We use the due diligence process to identify and anticipate integration issues in a way that does not add cost or delay to the transaction. We capture information to provide a smooth knowledge transfer following the closing and we provide continuing support for an efficient and successful integration effort.
How we do it
Commentators note Fenwick’s technology transactions team as “solutions-oriented” and “very capable, diligent, responsive and proactive,” with “excellent ability to digest technical and complex information.”