In House Product and Technology Counsel

This course provides a rigorous, hands-on, practical overview of the essential skills you'll need in today's practice of global technology and commercial transactions as in-house counsel. Students will learn key terms in commercial, IP and technology transactions, the art of collaborative negotiations with opposing counsel, and the development of interpersonal soft skills to successfully advise and counsel internal stakeholders in product-focused technology companies. Students will learn to draft, review and negotiate agreements such as (1) NDAs; (2) Product, Hardware and Manufacturing Supply Agreements; (3) Engineering Services, Design and Development Agreements; (4) Software License Agreements; and (5) Joint Development Agreements. Additionally, students will consider issues that arise during the contract lifecycle, handling business disputes, transactional ethics, dealing with stress & deal fatigue. This course is different from the typical law one examining law firm practice because it is focused on a product and high technology practice, with a heavy emphasis on product development, identifying and understanding supply chain risks, and working effectively to advise and counsel engineers in an in-house technology environment. The objective of this course is to equip students with the tools and skills you'll need to step successfully into legal positions from start-ups to top technology companies after law school. This course is suitable for all students interested in working in a technology, product, business or corporate environment. In this course, students approach law from an applied, negotiated, transactional perspective, with an emphasis on the lawyer's role in shaping complex commercial and IP technology transactions in today's technology-focused business environment. We will also have a guest lecturers and panel discussions from key bay area technology companies (which in the past have included Tesla, Google, Apple, and Intel). Prerequisites: Intellectual Property is recommended but not required. No technical background is required. Elements used in grading: attendance, thorough preparation and participation in all negotiations, participation in debriefings through meaningful discussions, and final work product (e.g. execution-ready agreements).