Technology Transactions

Today, every company is a tech company and complex tech licensing is at the core of every deal we do. Our team assists public and private companies across sectors develop, acquire, use, license and sell the technology, data and intellectual property that is integral to their business.

• We represent dozens of mature technology companies, including 10 of the world’s 20 biggest public companies on IP- and technology-driven agreements and other complex commercial transactions. We have developed innovative commercial agreements for bleeding-edge software platforms invoking complex rights allocations, including machine- and deep-learning software platforms, 3D printing and wearable technologies, and various “as-a-service” structures. We also have substantial experience structuring complex license arrangements involving dual-licensed (i.e., open source and proprietary) software, and otherwise advising on open source policy development and compliance.
• We have deep experience in the IP aspects of innovation and technology driven complex corporate transactions for financial investors, private equity and strategics.
• We have particular strength in advising on digital product launches and transitioning products and services to the cloud, where our advice covers privacy, IP and cybersecurity issues. We also have deep experience in handling projects for clients that are heavily regulated, with a particular emphasis on consumer protection.
• Together with our Technology Companies Group practice, we advise more than 3,000 emerging technology company clients on commercial agreements, technology transactions, sell-side M&A and financings.
• We have industry leading experience on the commercial agreements and strategic corporate transactions for life sciences companies across the entire corporate lifecycle.
• As Technology Transactions often involve issues across practice areas, we can navigate the nuances of strategic international and cross-border collaborations, joint ventures and partnerships by leveraging Orrick talent across 9 offices worldwide.

Commercial and Licensing Agreements

Clients turn to us for help with structuring, drafting and negotiating commercial agreements in industries such as consumer products, e-commerce and other online services, cloud computing, mobile applications, cleantech, energy, entertainment and digital media, automotive, retail, biotech, life sciences, and others. We have developed innovative commercial agreements for bleeding-edge software platforms invoking complex rights allocations, including machine- and deep-learning software platforms, 3D printing and wearable technologies, and various “as-a-service” structures. We also have substantial experience structuring complex license arrangements involving dual-licensed (i.e., open source and proprietary) software, and otherwise advising on open source policy development and compliance.

Product Launches

We have particular strength in advising on digital product launches and transitioning products and services to the cloud, where our advice covers privacy, IP and cybersecurity issues. We also have deep experience in handling projects for clients that are heavily regulated, with a particular emphasis on consumer protection.

Focus on the Tech Sector

As a firm focused on serving the tech sector, we know the trends in IT legal issues and strategic transactions. Our clients includes companies in cloud services, online services, clean technology, automotive technology, social networking, online and mobile payments, mobile applications and gaming.