Venable's nationally recognized, top-tier Intellectual Property (IP) Transactions team handles some of the most complex deals around the world. For three decades, we have counseled well-known Fortune 500 companies, nonprofit and trade organizations, start-ups, and everyone in between on various IP and technology transactions.
From traditional patent, trademark, copyright, and software licenses to cutting-edge know-how, digital rights, and content exploitation, we have clients covered. Our IP attorneys have a deep understanding of commercial and transactional matters and offer a broad range of sophisticated solutions and counsel for clients' business and technology needs. Whether aiming to acquire, develop, adopt, commercialize, or monetize new technologies or IP assets, we work hand in hand with clients as advisors and legal counsel to provide a clear path forward. We understand transactions from both sides, frequently working with licensors and licensees, buyers and sellers, and service providers to craft business approaches and negotiate terms. This depth of business and IP knowledge and experience enables us to quickly draft and negotiate contracts.
By leveraging the insight of the other practice groups at Venable, we bring together deep knowledge of our clients' technology and IP assets with wide-ranging knowledge on matters that are governed by industry-specific laws and regulations. Our cooperative team structure enables our attorneys to work together seamlessly, providing responsive and efficient counsel.
IP Licensing
Among our core strengths is our vast experience licensing IP and other intangible assets through development, commercialization, cross-licensing, marketing, and branding arrangements. We regularly represent both licensors and licensees in seeking creative ways to exploit technology and IP rights and maximize their sources of revenue.
IP Due Diligence
We conduct in-depth IP due diligence, evaluate important intangible rights and assets, and consider potential client liabilities. Our attorneys are experienced in counseling clients on all areas of IP due diligence, including patent portfolio assessment and freedom-to-operate and handling rights clearance, as well as navigating post-deal integration, and preparing agreements to document IP transfers. We are also trusted partners in reviewing and auditing IP portfolios for major players in high-tech industries like pharma, life sciences, automotive, and software.
Technology Transfers and Government-Funded Research
We regularly represent and counsel universities and government agencies on converting scientific and technological advances into marketable goods and documenting such transactions. Our attorneys also work frequently within private-public initiatives and state-sponsored projects on related transfer and research efforts.
Distribution
We prepare, negotiate, and review a wide array of distribution, resale, and supply agreements for new or emerging technologies.
Intellectual Protection, Trade Secret, and Proprietary Data Management
We provide valued strategic counseling in auditing and managing intangible assets and in structuring, evaluating, enforcing, and defending IP and trade secret rights. We also identify and protect proprietary data rights.
M&A Deals and IP
We provide IP and technology support to a wide variety of M&A transactions and other acquisitions or dispositions, and we advise buyers and sellers on strategic IP considerations.
Data Agreements
We help clients develop and negotiate data and processing agreements. Our attorneys regularly draft contracts involving digital rights, rights to data, access to databases, and the processing of data.
Outsourcing and Service Sourcing
Well-structured outsourcing transactions can open doors to highly skilled personnel and state-of-the-art technology, improving service levels, increasing productivity, and ultimately reducing operating costs. Having represented both customers and vendors, we understand the critical issues involved in these transactions and can help streamline the negotiation process to close deals efficiently and in a cost-effective manner.
Corporate Partnering and Strategic Alliances
We have a deep focus on complex partnering, collaboration, joint ventures, and alliance arrangements involving IP or intangible assets. We are well versed at drafting both traditional and innovative agreements for companies wishing to partner with others, establish or work within standard-setting organizations, implement new technologies, or expand into new territories, industries, or distribution channels.
Dispute Resolution and Settlement
Leveraging Venable's nationally ranked IP litigators and subject matter authorities, we regularly assist with protecting and enforcing rights, resolving disputes, and crafting settlement arrangements involving IP assets.
E-Commerce and the Internet
Since the dawn of the Internet age, we have provided valuable guidance on the ever-expanding breadth of IP, data rights, e-commerce, and technology issues unique to conducting business online.
Art and Entertainment
We assist entertainers, publishers, authors, sports figures, and media companies in securing, exploiting, and defending rights to their work and their likeness and related transactions.
Marketing and Advertising Agreements
We draft and negotiate marketing, sponsorship, co-branding, referral, and sales agreements, including providing advice on data brokering and novel behavioral and intent-based advertising arrangements that fuel e-commerce.
Nonprofit and Trade Associations and IP
We work closely with numerous nonprofit organizations and trade associations and rely on this experience to address the unique tax and operational issues that may impact the protection, enforcement, and leveraging of IP and technology assets.
Government Contracts and IP
We regularly assist clients with the unique legal nuances and complexities that arise when it comes to IP protection within the highly regulated government procurement environment, including counsel for research and development arrangements funded by federal or state government agencies or through public-private initiatives.
Bankruptcy and IP
We enlist our bankruptcy colleagues to help manage IP assets subject to the bankruptcy process and review related settlements, licenses, and other related agreements.
