Ryan M. Sweigard

Counsel
Sweigard Ryan

Ryan Sweigard helps clients manage technology transactions and protect their intellectual property (IP). Ryan has deep experience handling commercial contracts, including licensing, cloud computing, and software as a service (SaaS). As artificial intelligence (AI) and automation extend their reach across every industry, and companies seek to leverage generative AI, both clients and fellow attorneys are increasingly relying on Ryan to advise them on AI legal strategy, manage licensing deals relating to AI technology, and analyze AI risks in mergers and acquisitions. He also handles product strategy, strategic alliances, joint ventures, strategic sourcing, and other complex commercial transactions.

Armed with a computer science degree, Ryan regularly advises clients in high-tech industries, including information technology, software, ad tech, and fintech. He also helps clients in the areas of industrial controls, hospitality, healthcare, energy, medical devices, petrochemicals, and consumer products. Ryan provides his clients with the backing of a full-service, national firm, and Venable attorneys across myriad disciplines routinely seek Ryan's input when managing deals in the tech space.

Ryan brings to his practice industry-specific knowledge and an understanding of business concerns gained from working as a software developer at a knowledge management firm in Washington, DC prior to attending law school.

Experience

Representative Matters

  • Represented a European tech start-up in the negotiation of a multi-year services agreement with the U.S. division of a global telecommunications company
  • Part of a team that assisted an ad tech company with a multi-party advertising platform agreement involving a major sports organization
  • Assisted a restaurant technology company with restructuring its customer agreements to incorporate new product and service lines
  • Assisted one of the world's largest hospitality companies in the negotiation of a groups booking platform agreement
  • Serves as outside general counsel to a healthcare start-up
  • Represented a software development company in the negotiation of a cross-border reseller agreement for mobile document scanning technology
  • Assisted an investment management firm with the development of a procurement contracts negotiation playbook
  • Represented a public health non-profit in the negotiation of media creation agreements in support of public health outreach campaigns
  • Part of a team that assists a multinational professional services company with the acquisition of companies engaged in artificial intelligence and data analytics
  • Represented a finance NGO in the negotiation of a technology platform licensing agreement

Insights

Credentials
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Education

  • J.D. University of Maryland School of Law 2011
  • B.S. Computer Science University of Arizona 2003

Bar Admissions

  • District of Columbia
  • Maryland
  • Virginia

Professional Memberships and Activities

  • Member, American Bar Association
  • Member, Maryland State Bar Association
  • Member, Virginia State Bar

Recognition
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  • The Best Lawyers in America, Ones to Watch, 2024 – 2025
  • Legal 500, Media, Technology and Telecoms – Technology Transactions, 2024