Handling IP Assets in an M&A Transaction
Recent Posts
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HsuUntied: Khiara Bridges and Classical Ballet – Ep.32
Today, my guest is Khiara Bridges*, Associate Professor of Law and Anthropology at Boston University School of Law, who is a classically trained ballet dancer. Khiara started dancing at the age of 3, but unlike most people, just never stopped dancing. Even though she enjoys the thrill of performing in front of audiences, she enjoys getting up every morning, lacing up her point shoes, standing at the bar and dancing to the beautiful music. Ballet is more than just a […]
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HsuUntied: Special Guest Drew Shoals – Ep.31
Today, with the help of my 12 year old daughter Emma, we interview Drew Shoals*, the drummer for the Grammy Award winning band, Train. Drew had previously played with the lead singer of Train, Pat Monahan, prior to going to law school. Despite having a successful legal career at Shearman & Sterling, when he got the call to join the band, he couldn’t say no! *with special thanks to Michael Dorf
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Hsu Untied: Wayne Brown and Tournament Chess – Ep.30
Today, my guest is Wayne Brown, Deputy General Counsel and Chief Intellectual Property Officer at Quest Diagnostics, who is a tournament chess player. Wayne has a chess rating of “Expert” (top 5-10% of all tournament players) and has played competitive chess his entire life – in fact, he cannot remember a time when he did not know how to move the chess pieces. Wayne discusses his lifelong passion for chess, including his favorite chess openings and how he started beating his dad when he […]
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Technology Partnering Deal
Here is a video describing the basic components or building blocks of a typical technology partnering deal: equity investment, technology development, licensing, manufacturing and distribution.
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Hsu Untied: Chris Leslie and Winemaking – Ep.29
Today, my guest is Chris Leslie, General Counsel and Chief Legal Officer of Hitachi Data Systems. Chris decided to plant some grapes in his backyard in Livermore which now produces about 600 bottles of wine per year. With his own label “Grip Fast,” he admits it’s not exactly Chateau Margaux or Caymus but he has learned a lot about both the science — and the art — of winemaking.
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Hsu Untied: Sean Patrick Butler and Ecological Living – Ep.28
Today, my guest is Sean Patrick Butler who was General Counsel of Meraki (acquired by Cisco) and now Sr. Corporate Counsel at Cisco. Unlike most of us, Sean eschews the dense urban life of the Bay Area and has chosen to live in Sebastapol — about 2 hours north of San Francisco – where he can grow his own food, have his kids play in the mud, have wild animals walk through his backyard and as he puts it “see the […]
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Hsu Untied: Special Guest Tae Hea Nahm – Ep.27
Today, my special guest is Tae Hea Nahm, former partner at Wilson Sonsini and Venture Law Group, and one of the founding Managing Directors at Storm Ventures. Going from a law firm partner to a venture capitalist is not an easy transition and Tae Hea’s success is largely attributable to his deep understanding of technology and careful decision-making. He recently started a blog to share his wisdom with entrepreneurs called Working with Tae Hea Nahm.
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Hsu Untied: Mitch Zuklie and Stephen Kong on Boxing – Ep.26
Today, my guests are 2 former colleagues, Mitch Zuklie (from Venture Law Group) and Stephen Kong (from Townsend) who both box as a hobby. Stephen is more of a boxing aficionado and historian while Mitch takes a more meditative and therapeutic attitude towards the sport. Both have totally different approaches to boxing, which is reflective of the very different styles of the sport itself.
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Hsu Untied: Special Guest Helen Wan – Ep.25
Today, my special guest is Helen Wan*, former Associate General Counsel at Time Inc, now speaker, writer and author of “The Partner Track.” Helen worked on the manuscript for her novel for over 12 years and when it was finally published, she — along with her publisher — were amazed at the overwhelming response from the legal and business community to her message about diversity and inclusion. So despite having a successful career as a lawyer, she couldn’t resist the […]
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Market for IP and Tech Trans Lawyers is Heating Up
“Before I joined Shearman & Sterling‘s M&A practice, I used to think the tech transactions partner was like a football team’s long snapper, who just comes in for one or two plays. Now I realize how critical that role is, especially for technology deals.” See The Recorder, Tech Transactions is Heating Up.
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Hsu Untied: Michelle Dennedy and Runway Fashion Model – Ep.24
Today, my guest is Michelle Dennedy, Chief Privacy Officer at McAfee (division of Intel Security), who was invited to represent McAfee Online Safety for Kids and The Identity Project as a runway fashion model for The Moms Struts for a Cause at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion week in New York City. Michelle shares a surreal experience of being a fashion model for a day with hair extensions, 5 inch heels and the NY Knicks but at the end of it all, it was to […]
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Hsu Untied: Mike Dillon and Cross-Country Cycling – Ep.23
Today, my guest is Mike Dillon, General Counsel of Adobe Systems, who bicycled across the country from Florida to California. When he started the trip, he was nothing more than a weekend cyclist and honestly didn’t even know if he would even complete the ride. He eventually not only finished it, but he blogged about it every day and was inspired to write a book about it called Changing Cadence, the proceeds of which go to support the Aldar Academy. As […]
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Hsu Untied: Geoff Brigham and Classical Musician – Ep.22
Today, my guest is Geoff Brigham, General Counsel of the Wikimedia Foundation, who is a trained classical musician. Geoff started playing the flute in high school and after getting into the prestigious Peabody Institute of Music at John Hopkins, quickly realized he was not going to have a career in music. So he moved to Paris and made a living performing in the underground subways of Paris. Eventually, he gave up being a classical musician and became a successful lawyer, […]
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Hsu Untied: Darron Flagg and Opera Singing – Ep.21
Today, my guest is Darron Flagg*, Senior Corporate Counsel at Intel Corp., who is also a semi-professional opera singer. His interest in opera was originally noticed by his grade school teacher on a field trip and has since become an accomplished opera singer while pursuing a very successful legal career. Known as a bel canto tenor, the highest of tenors, Darron has performed with numerous opera companies, including the Oakland Opera Theatre and the San Francisco Opera. *with special thanks to […]
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Hsu Untied: Iain Cunningham and Astronomy – Ep.20
Today, my guest is Iain Cunningham*, Senior Litigation Counsel at Apple Computer, who talks about his interest in astronomy. Iain discusses both the theoretical and observational aspects of astronomy, which are actually 2 very different aspects of astronomy. What struck me most about this hobby is that it is one that forces you to SLOW DOWN to the pace of nature and Iain was similarly patient in explaining this celestial hobby to a novice like myself. * with special thanks […]
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Intellectual Property Infographic
My colleague Touraj Parang is the COO of a new startup UpCounsel which posted a terrific infographic on Intellectual Property:
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Hsu Untied: Special Guest Richard Susskind – Ep.19
Today, my special guest is Dr. Richard Susskind, an author, speaker and thought leader in the legal profession. He has written 4 books about the practice of law, including The Future of Law, Transforming the Law, The End of Lawyers? and most recently Tomorrow’s Lawyers. He is as good a speaker as he is a profound thinker and it was a privilege to have him join me for this interview from his home in Radlett, England. Here is a recorded interview […]
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Hsu Untied: Yul Kwon and Survivor Winner – Ep.18
Today, my guest is Yul Kwon*, Head of Privacy Program at Facebook. Yul is most well known for being the winner of the CBS TV show Survivor but he has a number of incredible achievements: degrees from Stanford, Yale Law School, legislative assistant to Senator Lieberman, Second Circuit Law Clerk, McKinsey, Google, FCC, FBI, CNN – and all before the age of 40. What’s even more incredible is that Yul self-classifies himself as an introvert — perhaps even a bit […]
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Hsu Untied: Frank Wu and “Honda Hawks” – Ep.17
Today, my guest is Frank Wu, Chancellor and Dean of UC Hastings Law School, who has a passion for “Honda Hawks,” a very specific type of motorcycle that was only made by Honda from 1988-1992. Although he recognizes the danger of motorcycle riding, he does not actually consider himself a risk taker by nature, but he does admit that riding a motorcycle is no more of a risk-taking venture than trying to be a dean of a national law school. […]
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Hsu Untied: Special Guest Chris Yeh – Ep.16
Today, my Special Guest is Chris Yeh, Co-Author (along with Reid Hoffman and Ben Casnocha) of The Alliance, a New York Times best selling book on managing talent in the networked age from the employer’s perspective. Chris is an entrepreneur, investor, advisor, mentor and one of the most prolific writers I know — he once wrote a white paper in 17 minutes! During my candid discussion with him, he talked about the creative, the collaborative — and occasionally arduous — […]
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Hsu Untied: Richard Russeth and Photography – Ep.15
Today, my guest is Richard Russeth*, Vice President of Corporate Affairs and General Counsel at Leprino Foods, who discusses his passion for photography. Born deaf, Richard credits his disability for giving him the “eye” to appreciate the silence in photography. He is a big believer that having a second dimension or “side hobby” helps to make one a better lawyer — something which I happen to wholeheartedly agree. His first public exhibit is on September 19 at the Emerge Gallery […]
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Warranty vs. Indemnity
This 100 second poem on the difference between warranty and indemnity was inspired by a law school friend of mine who said he was once too embarrassed to admit at a party that he didn’t know the difference between a warranty and an indemnity! Warranty vs. Indemnity from Richard Hsu on Vimeo.
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Hsu Untied: Special Guest Rich Mgrdechian (for Francis Scott Key) – Ep.14
Today, I invited special guest Rich Mgrdechian, Founder and CEO of Madison Rising, to talk about one of our country’s most famous lawyers, Francis Scott Key, who wrote the lyrics to our National Anthem, The Star Spangled Banner. In celebration of the National Anthem’s upcoming bicentennial on September 14, 2014, Madison Rising composed a modern-day “rock version” of the Star Spangled Banner, whose video below has received over 5 million hits! “Interview with our manager on @HsuUntied with @HsuTubeEsq to talk about […]
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Hsu Untied: Liz Stone and Standup Comedy – Ep.13
Today, my guest is Liz Stone, a legal recruiter with the Dubin Group, who is also a standup comedienne. Liz actually started doing “stand-up” after a couple of friends noticed her performing a wedding speech and after doing many “open mics,” she now performs at clubs like the San Francisco Punchline and Cobbs Comedy Club. Although she enjoys what she currently does, she admits there is nothing more exhilarating — or terrifying — than trying to make an audience laugh. You can […]
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Hsu Untied: Special Guest Greg “Fossilman” Raymer – Ep.12
Today, my special guest is Greg “Fossilman” Raymer*, a professional poker player and former patent attorney. Nicknamed “Fossilman” for his unusual glasses, Greg was originally a scientist who played blackjack in graduate school as a way to make some extra income. That soon turned into poker and he went on to win the World Series of Poker Main Event in 2004 (see his winning hand below). Now he splits his time with his 2 great loves: teaching poker and playing poker from […]
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Hsu Untied: Eric Goldman and Slinkies – Ep.11
Today, my guest is Eric Goldman, Santa Clara Law School Professor and Co-Director of its High Tech Law Institute, who has a most unusual hobby: Slinkies. After having collected over 400 slinkies, he may very well have the largest collection in the world. I was fortunate to get a couple of extra samples after he shared his passion for this simple child’s toy invented in the 1940’s by a naval engineer. Of the hundreds of interviews I've done, this may be my […]
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Hsu Untied: Special Guest David Hornik – Ep.10
Today, my special guest is David Hornik, general partner at August Capital and author of VentureBlog, who describes his career path from lawyer to venture capitalist, a profession he was born to do. David inspired me to start this interview series with his own VentureCast podcast and if you have ever heard him speak or present, then you would certainly agree that if he ever decided to leave venture capital, he would make a great late night talk show host! “@HsuTubeEsq: […]
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Drafting IP Reps and Warranties
Whenever I get involved in an M&A transaction involving intellectual property, the first place I start is in the definitions to make sure there are no “gaps” or circularity. The process reminds me of carefully descending into a spiral staircase.
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Hsu Untied: Special Guest Ro Khanna – Ep.9
Today, my special guest is Ro Khanna*, Congressional Candidate for the US House of Representatives in Silicon Valley. With a law degree from Yale, Ro began his career as a successful Silicon Valley technology attorney but has found his passion in politics and policy, having written Entrepreneurial Nation and served in the Obama Administration. Ro took time from his very busy campaign schedule to talk candidly about his career and his current run for Congress. *with special thanks to Chad Walsh I […]
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Hsu Untied: Riley Russell and Magic – Ep.8
Today, my guest is Riley Russell*, Chief Legal Officer, General Counsel and Sr. Vice President of Corporate Development at Sony Playstation, who does magic as a hobby. Riley has performed as a street magician on Pier 39 and is a member of The Magic Castle. “Listen” to the twinkle in his eye as he talks about how the real magic in magic is in the performance. *with special thanks to Stephen Kong
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Hsu Untied: Special Guest Will Shortz – Ep.7
Today, my special guest is Will Shortz (aka the “Puzzle Master“), Editor of the New York Times Crossword Puzzles, and star of WordPlay (see trailer below), one of my favorite movies. Some may know that he graduated from the University of Virginia Law School but probably not many know that he almost dropped out after his first semester and that his favorite class was intellectual property! Listed as one of the 30 most famous people with law degrees, Will was gracious enough to […]
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Hsu Untied: Matt Goldberg and Oil Painting – Ep.6
Today, my guest is Matt Goldberg*, Vice President and General Counsel of Service Source. Although he discovered his talent for art relatively late in life, he found he had a real gift and passion for painting. Starting originally with oils, he has expanded to acrylics and now paints commissioned works for clients. You see more of his work on Facebook or his website MLG Paintings. *With special thanks to Susan Tien
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Hsu Untied: Bill Burke and Mountain Climbing – Ep.5
Today, my guest is William Burke*, a retired partner from Shearman & Sterling. After retiring at the age of 60, Bill climbed the tallest mountains on all 7 continents, including Mt. Everest twice and is the oldest American to reach the summit (both times)! I was lucky enough to interview him while he was in Katmandu, Nepal just as he was completing his second climb of Everest from the North Face. You can read much more of his accomplishments at his […]
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Hsu Untied: Josh Green and Coaching Basketball – Ep.4
Today, my guest is Josh Green, a former lawyer and now venture capitalist at Mohr Davidow Ventures, who coached high school basketball for 8 years and has a love for the game — and his students — I seldom come across. Hear his moving and inspiring story which will leave you feeling somewhere between Hoosiers and Hoop Dreams. @HsuTubeEsq Had great fun! Richard is quite the anchorman! — Josh Green (@zwimmer4080) April 8, 2014
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Hsu Untied: Mark Meltzer and Skydiving – Ep.3
Today, my guest is Mark Meltzer, Sr. Vice President and General Counsel of Intuitive Surgical. An electrical engineer by training, Mark describes the science of skydiving and how the thrill of skydiving never wears off, even after nearly 50 years and hundreds of jumps. He does about 30 jumps a year and hopes to keep skydiving well into his 80’s! You can see one of his recent landings below:
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Hsu Untied: Special Guest Daniel Pink – Ep.2
Today, my special guest is Daniel Pink. Most people know Daniel Pink as a noted TED speaker (see video below) and New York Times best selling author of A Whole New Mind, Drive and To Sell is Human. But what is less known is that Dan actually went to law school (attended Columbia and graduated from Yale) and he discusses how law school shaped his career, but not in the way you would think! Had a chance to talk with with savvy […]
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Hsu Untied: Robert Lattuga and Woodworking – Ep.1 (Pilot)
On my inaugural show, my guest is Robert Lattuga, Sr. Vice President and General Counsel of LeapFrog Enterprises. A former Harvard physics Ph.D. student, Robert shares his passion in woodworking, a hobby which requires the skills to operate large power tools as well as the dexterity of hand craftsmanship.
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