Berkeley, California, United States
I operate at the intersection of transformative technology and global patent strategy. With a JD from Stanford and a PhD in Computer Science focused on 3D Graphics, I specialize in building world-class IP portfolios that protect the inventions powering the AI and graphics revolutions. Strategic Patent Leadership at Scale: I have a proven track record of scaling IP departments and managing high-stakes portfolios for the world’s most innovative companies: Uber: Built the IP department from the ground up, growing the team from 3 to 12 attorneys and increasing the patent portfolio by 825% through organic filing and strategic acquisitions. Google: Led the 2,000+ asset Geo portfolio (Maps, Earth, Street View), managing the IP due diligence for nine acquisitions, including Geoffrey Hinton’s neural network company. Howso AI: As GC/CLO, I built a defensive and offensive patent strategy from scratch, securing 40+ approved patents while leading a $25M Series A. Deep Technical Roots: 3D Graphics & AI: My PhD research at UNC and my research appointment at Stanford focused on 3D Computer Graphics, medical informatics, and human physiology. I bring the technical depth required to partner directly with engineering groups to secure patents for cutting-edge technologies like deep learning, autonomous vehicles, and robotics. Programming since I was a child, I wrote my first AI system in 1996. Litigation and Policy Expertise: I bridge the gap between the IP threat landscape and patent portfolio building. I have personally drafted claim charts, managed complex IP litigation, and currently advise the UK Government (FCA) on AI and data policy.
Strategic IP Counsel & Architect: Advise a spectrum of clients—from university spin-outs and venture-funded startups to global technology leaders—on developing and executing high-value global patent strategies. * Engineering Partnership: Leverage a unique background as a PhD Computer Scientist to partner directly with engineering and research teams in 3D graphics, AI, and robotics to translate complex innovation into protected assets. * Portfolio Development: Lead the creation of world-class patent portfolios, emphasizing enhanced prosecution for critical inventions and "data-room readiness" for funding and M&A. * High-Stakes IP Management: Navigate complex legal challenges including third-party threat handling, IP-heavy M&A diligence, and strategic patent acquisitions. * Emerging Tech Policy: Provide counsel at the intersection of AI governance, data privacy (GDPR/HIPAA), and IP law, ensuring research compliance in commercial applications.
- GC, CLO, and Corporate Secretary of highly innovative Artificial Intelligence company - Designed and executed the global IP strategy for a leading AI company, building a world-class portfolio from the ground up to secure 40+ approved patents and over 100 assets. - Business-Aligned Strategy: Strategically managed the patent portfolio to ensure full coverage of critical R&D and core products, directly aligning IP assets with the company's long-term business objectives. - Open Source Mastery: Led all legal and strategic aspects of open-sourcing the core AI product, navigating the complex intersection of proprietary protection and community innovation. - Strategic member of executive staff, helping drive mission while recognizing business and legal realities. - Manage all legal functions for a leading AI company. Directed strategy for corporate structuring, Series A financing ($25M), venture debt, and global privacy compliance. Personally negotiated complex SaaS contracts and guided the company through high-stakes commercial transactions. - Lead policy work and compliance work (e.g., EU AI Act, Executive Order on AI, SOC, HIPAA, GDPR).
In addition to helping clients develop strategic patent portfolios, I used my years of in house patent experience to help clients navigate issues surrounding open source, in-bound and out-bound technology and IP licensing, patent acquisitions, privacy issues, and M&A diligence.
- Department Leadership & Scaling: Built the IP department from the ground up, growing the team from 3 to 12 patent attorneys and professionals to support a global workforce of 10,000+. - Global Portfolio Hyper-Growth: Strategically increased the patent portfolio by 825% through high-volume organic filing programs and targeted patent acquisitions in the competitive autonomous vehicle and navigation space. - Risk Management & M&A: Directed IP due diligence for 3 major acquisitions and successfully managed 12+ third-party threats and complex IP litigation. - Strategic IP and License Acquisition: Developed and led global patent acquisition and inbound licensing programs to bolster defensive capabilities. - M&A, licensing, litigation, and all procurement of, protection of, and defense of IP rights.
- Global Portfolio Management: Acted as the lead patent attorney for the 1,800-person 3D graphics and Geo division (Maps, Earth, Street View), building and managing a high-priority portfolio of 455 patents. - High-Impact AI M&A: Directed IP due diligence for 9 acquisitions, focusing on transformative computer vision and AI startups, including the acquisition of Geoffrey Hinton’s neural network company. - Primary attorney on 30+ incoming IP threats - Guided Google’s IP-related amicus & policy work. - Partnered directly with world-class engineering teams to translate groundbreaking research into a global patent portfolio.