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The fintech industry generates innovative solutions to improve all varieties of financial services.&nbsp; Emerging fintech companies need thoughtful guidance to help navigate complex federal and state securities, commodities, payments, banking, and cybersecurity laws, among other considerations. Established fintech companies need ongoing guidance on these issues as they develop new products and technologies.
Wilson Sonsini provides the kind of sophisticated, regulatorily sensitive, and business-oriented counsel fintech companies need to navigate their growth, development, and innovation at every stage. 
Wilson Sonsini attorneys have extensive experience across all fintech sub-sectors, including the following:
<ul>
<li>Investment advisers, broker-dealers, and alternative trading systems:
<ul>
<li>Robo-advisers</li>
<li>Social media investment platforms</li>
<li>Artificial intelligence-based models for investment and wealth management</li>
<li>Neo-factoring platforms </li>
<li>Alternative trading systems and exchanges for private securities and alternative asset classes</li>
<li>Broker-dealers involved in digital assets</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Financial services providers:
<ul>
<li>Neo-banks</li>
<li>Virtual credit cards</li>
<li>Online personal finance platforms</li>
<li>Innovative money services businesses and money transmitters</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Blockchain and digital currency-related businesses:
<ul>
<li>Web 3.0 projects, including blockchain-based gaming platforms</li>
<li>Blockchain-based securities clearance and settlement platforms, alternative trading systems, and money transmission providers </li>
<li>Decentralized finance platforms</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Crowdfunding platforms:
<ul>
<li>Platforms offering securities to accredited investors, including angel, movie development, real estate, drug and medical device, and other specialized investment platforms</li>
<li>Funding portals facilitating Regulation Crowdfunding offerings</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
Peer lending platforms that offer payment-dependent notes publicly or privately

Why Wilson Sonsini?

Much of our clients&rsquo; success is derived from using our expertise for a wide range of services:&nbsp; initial structuring and financings, regulatory strategies, IP protection, commercial partnerships, and others. Our committed attorneys understand a company's entire scope of needs, enabling them to deliver impactful, innovative, compliant, and customized solutions. &nbsp;
In other words, Wilson Sonsini provides the comprehensive and integrated corporate, regulatory, intellectual property, and litigation services that fintech companies need. 
Our fintech services include the following, among many others:
<a href="https://www.wsgr.com/en/services/practice-areas/regulatory/index.html">Regulatory</a>
<ul>
<li>Structuring and counseling fintech businesses for compliance with federal and state securities, commodities, payments, and other financial services laws in a manner designed to streamline compliance as much as possible&mdash;particularly where there is legal or regulatory uncertainty </li>
<li>Seeking no-action letters, exemptive orders, and other regulatory relief related to fintech legal issues that pose new questions</li>
<li>Pursuing informal discussions with regulators regarding new technologies and business models to address regulatory uncertainty </li>
<li>Forming and registering regulated entities, including investment advisers, broker-dealers, funding portals, money services businesses, and money transmitters; developing compliance programs; and providing ongoing compliance advice for these entities</li>
<li>Drafting legal opinions and memoranda regarding the status of certain assets as securities; the status of a business as a broker-dealer, investment adviser, investment company, money services business, or money transmitter; and/or the compliance of a client&rsquo;s business activities with federal and state securities, commodities, and/or payments laws</li>
</ul>
<a href="https://www.wsgr.com/en/services/practice-areas/corporate/index.html">Corporate</a>
<ul>
<li>Initial structuring and financings, including SAFEs, SAFTs, convertible notes, and other arrangements</li>
<li>Forming private funds to facilitate the delivery of fintech products and services, including venture capital and private equity funds, and developing necessary disclosure and operating documents </li>
<li>IPO advisory services and negotiating of the full suite of capital markets offerings, with experience in the United States, Hong Kong, and Chinese markets</li>
<li>Mergers and acquisitions, with decades-long experience participating in landmark deals</li>
<li>Tax analysis and mitigation strategies for corporate structures</li>
<li>Guidance for foreign companies entering U.S. markets, including launch, fundraising, partnerships, M&amp;A, and IP services </li>
</ul>
<a href="https://www.wsgr.com/en/services/practice-areas/intellectual-property/index.html">Intellectual Property</a>
<ul>
<li>Patents and innovations assistance, including patent portfolio management, patent applications, licensing, due diligence, litigation, and interference and re-examination proceedings</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Technology transactions guidance, including strategic alliances, partnerships, joint ventures, asset sales, collaborations and co-development arrangements, reseller agreements, manufacturing agreements, and global outsourcing transactions, among others </li>
</ul>
<a href="https://www.wsgr.com/en/services/practice-areas/litigation/index.html">Litigation </a>
<ul>
<li>Wide-ranging litigation services, including trade secrets, commercial, consumer, corporate, patent, securities, and trademark litigation, among other specialties </li>
</ul>
These are just a portion of our commonly used legal services. Given our extensive experience in related practices, such as intellectual property, cybersecurity, and financial regulation, our firm also has substantial resources to represent a fintech company facing business disputes in critical areas like antitrust, privacy, and securities litigation.

Comprehensive Services

At Wilson Sonsini, our attorneys have represented thousands of start-ups and fintech clients. They are thoroughly familiar with the latest developments in the fintech industry, enabling them to respond quickly to industry shifts. Further, because they have longstanding relationships with regulators and in-depth knowledge of regulatory requirements, they have insight into how fintech business models will be viewed by the relevant agencies. In fact, several members of our team were formerly with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA).
Our extensive network streamlines compliance with regulatory bodies within the United States, such as the:
<ul>
<li>Consumer Financial Protection Bureau</li>
<li>Federal Reserve Board of Governors</li>
<li>Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation</li>
<li>Financial Crimes Enforcement Network</li>
<li>Securities and Exchange Commission</li>
<li>Commodity Futures Trading Commission</li>
<li>Financial Industry Regulatory Authority</li>
</ul>

Relationships with Regulators

Wilson Sonsini's fintech and financial services group represents a wide range of companies: innovators in disruptive technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, or blockchain; alternative investment platforms; robo-advisers; peer-lending platforms; and innovative payment systems. &nbsp;Our multidisciplinary team can direct its many strengths to provide comprehensive support to fintech companies and the investors that finance them.

Our Industry Coverage

Wilson Sonsini provides extensive and cutting-edge corporate, regulatory, IP, and litigation legal services for innovative companies across the fintech industry. Clients include Block, AngelList, Roblox, Crypto.com, CrowdStreet, Bitwise, and Checkout.com.
 Our firm is known for generating creative, business-focused, and compliant legal strategies for our clients’ innovative investment and financial products. We help clients navigate the labyrinth of regulatory, corporate, and commercial considerations they face, to generate the best outcomes based on their business goals.

End-to-End Legal Guidance for Fintech Innovators 

Wilson Sonsini is recognized as a leading firm for fintech by&nbsp;Chambers FinTech and noted for its strong regulatory practice and ability to advise early-stage fintech companies on a wide range of transactional and financing issues.

A Nationally Recognized and Ranked Fintech Practice

Companies at the intersection of financial services and technology require legal services that are innovative, comprehensive, and responsive to business objectives, industry trends and legal constraints. From incorporation to exit, the fintech sector must navigate regulatory issues that drive business decisions and operating models, and become ever more complex as a company scales.&nbsp;
At Wilson Sonsini, our practice includes some of the most prominent practitioners and thought leaders providing advice to fintech start-ups and financial institutions. Our clients leverage our unparalleled expertise, relationships and experience—all of which are vital to fintech companies from day one. 
Our successful track record counselling companies at all stages through complicated and sometimes uncertain or rapidly changing regulatory landscapes, and our longstanding relationships with top venture capital firms, financial institutions, and major regulatory bodies, have resulted in many of our clients building rapidly and achieving multibillion-dollar valuations, while avoiding the type of regulatory and legal morasses that can get in the way of a company’s success. 
<h2>Select Client Successes in the Fintech Sector</h2>
Corporate
<ul>
<li>Online insurance provider eHealth raised $70 million in an IPO</li>
<li>Square went public in a $243 million IPO</li>
<li>Financial software company BlackLine raised $146 million in an IPO</li>
<li>Blockstack announced the first SEC-qualified token offering, worth $28 million</li>
<li>Credit Karma’s $7.1 billion acquisition by Intuit </li>
<li>LinkedIn’s $26.2 billion acquisition by Microsoft </li>
<li>Microchip’s $8.3 billion acquisition of Microsemi</li>
<li>Mortgage lender Better.com raised $160 million in Series C funding</li>
<li>Brex raised $300 million in Series D financing</li>
<li>Checkout.com, the fourth-largest fintech start-up globally, received a $40 billion valuation</li>
</ul>
Regulatory
<ul>
<li>Secured “no-action” relief for the then-innovative, and now widely replicated, investment platform sponsored by AngelList</li>
<li>Structured some of the first peer lending platforms and their investment instruments, including PeerStreet’s mortgage payment dependent notes, RealtyShares’ real estate-focused special purpose vehicles, and Realty Mogul’s e-REIT</li>
<li>Assisted FIG Technologies in developing a form of publicly offered tracking stock related to the development of gaming products</li>
<li>Structured publicly offered bonds funding renewable energy projects for SolarCity</li>
<li>Developed a legally compliant secondary trading platform of private, restricted securities with NASDAQ Private Markets</li>
<li>Led a public offering by Exodus Movement of common stock represented by tokens</li>
<li>Secured Prometheum’s SEC and FINRA approval to operate an alternative trading system (ATS) in the U.S. for trading of crypto tokens</li>
<li>Navigated Bitwise’s approval process for an offering of a publicly traded product that provides investors exposure to a crypto index fund&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

FinTech Industry

Checkout.com's $15 Billion Valuation Post $450 Million Series C Makes Company 4th Largest FinTech Startup Globally

Upstart IPO Soars Bringing in $240 Million

PayActiv Finances $100 Million in Series C Round

Brex Successfully Closes $150 Million Series C

Better.com Raises $160 Million in Series C

Blockstack Makes History with First SEC-Qualified Token Offering of $28 Million

BlackLine IPO Rises to $146 Million

Square Goes Public in $243 Million IPO

Industry Highlights

Celebrating our founders' successes

<h2>Representative Financings</h2>
<ul>
<li>Roblox $150 million Series G and $350 million tender offer</li>
<li>IVP $245 million Series C in Niantic</li>
<li>Caffeine $100 million Series C</li>
</ul>
<h2>Representative Transactions</h2>
<ul>
<li>Roblox acquisition of PacketZoom</li>
<li>Beam acquired by Microsoft</li>
<li>FanDuel acquired by Paddy Power Betfair</li>
<li>Logitech acquisition of Astro Gaming</li>
<li>TinyCo acquisition by Jam City (FKA SGN)</li>
<li>Underwriter Counsel on King IPO</li>
</ul>
<h2>Representative IP Counseling and Litigation</h2>
<ul>
<li>Represent Bungie in intellectual property and advertising matters, including brand clearance, trademark prosecution, and management of trademark filings around the world, as well as intellectual property enforcement and dispute matters.</li>
<li>Represent Roblox across multiple corporate, regulatory and litigation matters, including guidance on brand and content protection, enforcement of intellectual property rights, promotions and contests, and licensing.</li>
<li>Represent Playtech in patent litigation and IP counseling matters.</li>
<li>Represent FlowPlay in trademark and advertising matters.</li>
<li>Represent ReKTGlobal, a global esports organization that includes the Rogue and London Royal Ravens professional esports teams, in strategic trademark matters, brand clearance, trademark prosecution, and management of trademark filings around the world.</li>
<li>Represented the outside directors of Zynga in connection with derivative litigation in the Delaware Court of Chancery.</li>
</ul>

Representative Experience

Wilson Sonsini’s Electronic Gaming Podcast is a firsthand look at how gaming companies can solve business and legal problems. Experts from Wilson Sonsini Goodrich &amp; Rosati and the industry discuss their experiences and thoughts on crucial topics every game company should be aware of.
Our first series is focused on early-stage issues, taking a closer look into the world of gaming company startups. What do company founders care about? What should they care about? What are the common pitfalls and traps to avoid? Wilson Sonsini experts discuss key legal issues that fledging game companies must know about to succeed.
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This communication is provided as a service to our clients and friends and is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to create an attorney-client relationship or constitute an advertisement, a solicitation, or professional advice as to any particular situation.

Podcast

<ul>
<li><img src="https://www.wsgr.com/a/web/rnPvoDQn4hgZ3txRgF8SUN/start-up-toolkit.jpg" alt="" width="180"> The Start-Up Toolkit is a series of complimentary resources intended to inform early-stage gaming companies about core legal needs. The toolkit includes a Start-up Video Series, Pitch Deck Builder, Investor Readiness Checklist, Legal Services Roadmap, and access to a Term Sheet Generator. <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.wsgr.com/a/web/n8n4y3YDvQaFEtFxnUR4xP/start-up-toolkit.pdf" target="_blank">Learn more</a>.&nbsp;</li>
<li><img src="https://www.wsgr.com/a/web/rKFNJApgwGHC18ZPcNqjX7/nest_logo.jpg" alt="" width="80"> NEST is an exclusive program that offers select early-stage companies the opportunity to accelerate their business with discounted legal services and other essential non-legal resources, such as investment readiness services. <a rel="noopener" href="https://egg.wsgr.com/#about" target="_blank">Learn more</a>.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Start-Up Resources

The Scramble: 2023 Gaming Legal Year in Review 
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<td style="vertical-align: top;">
In this issue, Wilson Sonsini's Electronic Gaming Group (EGG) provides an overview of the gaming industry and legal highlights from 2023. The report underscores the significant influence of artificial intelligence (AI) in the gaming realm in 2023 and anticipates further substantial impacts.
Download The Scramble <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.wsgr.com/a/web/uuudRgJa9Kwk1um8DMEiKb/the_scramble_2023_yir.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>.
</td>
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The Scramble: 2022 Gaming Legal Year in Review 
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<td style="vertical-align: top;" width="220"><img src="https://www.wsgr.com/a/web/nN2Sg8F8LjMe3rTCWoYE9o/scramble-featurette.jpg" alt="" width="200"></td>
<td style="vertical-align: top;">
In this inaugural issue, Wilson Sonsini's EGG attorneys compiled legal news from the front lines of gaming. Find out the sectors being funded, the state of intellectual property in gaming, statistics on past trends, and what our gaming lawyers are looking forward to in 2023. The Scramble also features a collection of EGG’s industry-leading publications from the last year.
Download The Scramble <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.wsgr.com/a/web/31fdRHhVNRucAX8YokW4LE/thescrambleyir2022.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>.
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

Gaming Year in Review

Yesterday we were playing Pong and today we’re playing in VR. While much has changed on screen, our excitement off screen for creators is steady.&nbsp; We represent growing and established participants in the e-gaming industry, including developers and publishers of video games and mobile games; AR and VR designers and device manufacturers; creators of software development engines and other e-gaming middleware; e-sports companies;&nbsp; online-streaming platforms, content creators, and streamers; and venture capital funds, other private funds, and other investors in the industry.

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<td style="vertical-align: top;">Wilson Sonsini is the trusted legal counsel to hundreds of developers, entrepreneurs, investors, and publishers who are building and launching market-leading gaming experiences around the world. Visit our <a rel="noopener" href="https://egg.wsgr.com" target="_blank">new gaming hub</a> to apply for our exclusive gaming start-up program and download the latest edition of The Scramble.</td>
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Leveling Up Gaming Companies—Visit egg.wsgr.com

Wilson Sonsini Goodrich &amp; Rosati, as the premier provider of legal services to technology companies, provides a full range of services to gaming clients. With more than 1000 attorneys, we deliver comprehensive, integrated business and litigation services that companies in the gaming industry need. Whether the firm is assisting clients with their corporate financing needs, negotiating complex commercial transactions on their behalf, navigating antitrust and competition laws,&nbsp; or litigating novel intellectual property issues, our attorneys are well-equipped to advise gaming clients on a broad range of areas affecting their businesses, including:
<h2>Technology Transactions</h2>
<ul>
<li>Licensing key technologies and third-party IP
-&nbsp; Graphics and sound engines -&nbsp; Artificial intelligence (AI) engines -&nbsp; Modeling and auto-terrain generating software -&nbsp; Augmented reality (AR) hardware and software -&nbsp; Virtual reality (VR) hardware and software -&nbsp; Voice and facial recognition -&nbsp; Cloud-gaming services -&nbsp; Wearable peripherals
</li>
<li>Game development, music, and publishing deals</li>
<li>Strategic partnerships, joint ventures, and development agreements</li>
<li>In-licensing of music and other third-party IP</li>
</ul>
<h2>Intellectual Property Strategy</h2>
<ul>
<li>Protecting key technologies and new inventions and innovations</li>
<li>Registering trademarks, copyrights, and patents</li>
<li>Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) and Communications Decency Act (CDA)</li>
<li>Copyright strategy and fair-use analysis of user-generated or user-provided content</li>
<li>Invention assignment agreements</li>
<li>Open-source strategy and compliance</li>
</ul>
<h2>Privacy, Cybersecurity, and Data Protection</h2>
<ul>
<li>Privacy and information security policies and compliance</li>
<li>Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) compliance</li>
<li>Domestic U.S. state privacy law compliance, including:
-&nbsp; California Online Privacy Protection Act and California Privacy Rights Act (CCPA and CPRA) -&nbsp; Virginia Consumer Data Protection Act (VCDPA) -&nbsp; Colorado Privacy Act (ColoPA) -&nbsp; Utah Consumer Privacy Act (UCPA) -&nbsp; Connecticut’s Act Concerning Personal Data Privacy and Online Monitoring (CPOMA)
</li>
<li>EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) compliance</li>
<li>Federal and state investigations into privacy and data security</li>
</ul>
<h2>Litigation</h2>
<ul>
<li>Patent, copyright, and trademark infringement</li>
<li>Trade secret misappropriation</li>
<li>Labor and employment disputes</li>
<li>Consumer class action lawsuits</li>
<li>False advertising and unfair competition claims</li>
<li>Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA) litigation</li>
<li>Corporate governance and securities litigation</li>
<li>Commercial contract litigation</li>
<li>Arbitration</li>
</ul>
<h2>Game&nbsp;Monetization and Advertising Strategies</h2>
<ul>
<li>Payments, money, and virtual currency transmission</li>
<li>Loot boxes, in-game credits, and other consumable virtual items</li>
<li>Sweepstakes, contests, and gambling</li>
<li>Blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies</li>
<li>Compliance with federal and state advertising laws</li>
</ul>
<h2>Corporate Fundamentals, Raising Capital, and Exiting</h2>
<ul>
<li>Corporate formation and governance</li>
<li>Founder stock, employee benefits, and compensation</li>
<li>Private and public equity and debt financing deals</li>
<li>Mergers, acquisitions, and asset purchases and sales</li>
</ul>
<h2>Antitrust and Competition</h2>
<ul>
<li>Criminal and civil investigations by government agencies, including the DOJ, FTC, European Commission, and Competition and Markets Authority</li>
<li>Merger control filings and clearance</li>
<li>Consumer protection</li>
<li>Antitrust litigation</li>
<li>Business strategy
- Pricing and distribution -&nbsp;IP licensing -&nbsp;Standard setting and patent pooling -&nbsp;Pre-merger and merger integration counseling
</li>
</ul>
Through the critical matters affecting their businesses, Wilson Sonsini’s attorneys are well positioned to assist e-gaming clients at every stage of their development. From early-stage start-ups to publicly traded companies, the firm represents a range of participants in the e-gaming industry, including developers and publishers of video games and mobile games; AR and VR designers and device manufacturers; creators of software development engines and other gaming middleware; e-sports companies, leagues, teams, and gamers; online-streaming platforms, content creators, and streamers; and venture capital funds, other private funds, and other investors in the industry.

Electronic Gaming Industry

AppLovin Goes Public with $100 Million IPO

Epic Games Grows Greater With $1.78 Billion Funding Round

Caffeine Pulls in $113 Million for Latest Series D Financing

Zynga Announces Convertible Senior Note Deal Worth $762 Million

FanDuel Announces Merger with Flutter for $465 Million

Autodesk Kicks Off New Year With Its IPO

Broad Life Sciences Industry Experience
Our attorneys represent companies in the following life sciences industry sectors, among others:
<ul>
<li>Agricultural biotechnology</li>
<li class="m_-1460508093250256094MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">Biochemistry</li>
<li class="m_-1460508093250256094MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">Bioinformatics&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
<li class="m_-1460508093250256094MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">Biologic Therapeutics</li>
<li class="m_-1460508093250256094MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">Biomedical science</li>
<li class="m_-1460508093250256094MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">Biotechnology</li>
<li class="m_-1460508093250256094MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">Cell therapy</li>
<li class="m_-1460508093250256094MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">Diagnostics</li>
<li class="m_-1460508093250256094MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">Drug delivery</li>
<li class="m_-1460508093250256094MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">Global generics</li>
<li class="m_-1460508093250256094MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">Genetic engineering</li>
<li class="m_-1460508093250256094MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">Genomics</li>
<li class="m_-1460508093250256094MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">Immunology</li>
<li class="m_-1460508093250256094MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">Immunotherapy</li>
<li class="m_-1460508093250256094MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">Medical devices</li>
<li class="m_-1460508093250256094MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">Molecular biology</li>
<li class="m_-1460508093250256094MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">Nanotechnology</li>
<li class="m_-1460508093250256094MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">Personalized medicine</li>
<li class="m_-1460508093250256094MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">Pharmaceuticals</li>
<li class="m_-1460508093250256094MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">Proteomics</li>
<li class="m_-1460508093250256094MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">Research tools</li>
<li class="m_-1460508093250256094MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">Small Molecule Therapeutics</li>
<li class="m_-1460508093250256094MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">Stem cells</li>
<li class="m_-1460508093250256094MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">Synthetic Biology / Gene Editing / CRISPR</li>
<li class="m_-1460508093250256094MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">Virology</li>
</ul>

Industry Experience

Intellectual Property and Patents
As the largest and most highly regarded life science patent group in the U.S., we have a deep, skilled, and experienced bench of more than 140 patent professionals that are dedicated to establishing patent strategies for our life sciences clients. Our patents and innovation attorneys collaborate across the various disciplines of intellectual property (IP litigation, IP transactions and licensing, trademarks and advertising, and patent prosecution) to develop and execute IP strategies for business enterprises in the industries we serve including a strong focus in life sciences, precision medicine and digital health sectors.
<blockquote>
Wilson Sonsini obtained issuance of more than 800 U.S. patents on behalf of clients in 2018, filing an average of more than 57 U.S. patents each week.
</blockquote>
We help companies build and implement successful new business models, devise value-creating IP strategies, structure and negotiate complex transactions, and develop and execute strategic litigation. Our deep knowledge of the industry sectors, together with our extensive experience advising clients on IP from product concept through launch and beyond, helps clients develop and leverage their IP to achieve their business objectives.
We create thoughtful IP portfolios that protect our clients&rsquo; most important assets: intellectual property. We also clear potential third party infringement risks&mdash;which is a critical process for growth-stage life science companies looking to maximize shareholder value. This two-pronged approach to IP strategy enables us to effectively advise companies and differentiates us from other law firms.
We also analyze product trends in the client&rsquo;s industry, patent litigation in the client&rsquo;s technology areas, and the client&rsquo;s position in the market to anticipate potential patent disputes and advise on a patent filing strategy that will put the company in an advantageous competitive position.
<blockquote>
Wilson Sonsini's patents and innovation team represented autoimmune start-up Delinia in IP matters in connection to its $775 acquisition by Celgene--a deal that earned industry recognition as one of the 10 Most Innovative Deals of 2017 by Lake Whillans Life Sciences Law Firm Index.
</blockquote>
We have an impressive track record of IP value creation, as members of our practice are responsible for the development of the IP portfolios covering such inventions as the DNA chip, healthcare IT solutions, companion diagnostic precision medicine technologies, cancer therapies, nanotechnology, cell-free genetic tests, medical devices, stem cell technologies, and next-generation DNA sequencing.
Please see our&nbsp;Patents and Innovations&nbsp;overview for more details about our experience in this area.

Intellectual Property and Patents

Collaborations, Partnering Agreements, and Joint Ventures
Wilson Sonsini has extensive experience advising maturing biotech companies as they reach important developmental milestones. Dating back to some of the most significant, landmark collaborations and partnering deals between industry pioneers, Wilson Sonsini's attorneys have helped biotech clients structure and execute all manner of sophisticated, strategic transactions, working closely with each client to leverage their valuable intellectual property assets to achieve diverse market objectives.
The firm has advised life sciences companies on the structure of more than 100 major corporate collaborations. Our experience includes developing, negotiating, and implementing:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Research and development agreements</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Strategic alliances</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Joint development agreements</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Co-investment agreements</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Cross-border agreements</li>
</ul>
In addition, our team has vast experience with a broad range of joint venture transactions involving our biotech clients. We have also recently introduced clients to novel, creative agreements&mdash;such as build-to-buy agreements&mdash;aimed at benefiting multiple parties.
Please see our&nbsp;Technology Transactions&nbsp;overview for more details about our experience in this area.

Collaborations, Partnering Agreements, and Joint Ventures

Regulatory and Compliance
Regulatory approvals are critically important to growing biotech companies. Wilson Sonsini has a dedicated regulatory team that helps place biotech clients in a favorable position to clear regulatory hurdles and secure timely approvals. Our team also helps such clients remain in compliance with strictly enforced regulatory laws in the U.S. and international markets.&nbsp;Our healthcare regulatory attorneys help drug and medical device clients successfully manage complex regulatory issues related to:
<ul>
<li class="m_-1460508093250256094MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst">Negotiations with FDA; legal and administrative proceedings</li>
<li class="m_-1460508093250256094MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">Compliance counseling and training with respect to state and federal anti-kickback laws, interactions with healthcare professionals, and reporting requirements</li>
<li class="m_-1460508093250256094MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">Crisis management; responding to audits and other inquiries from FDA</li>
<li class="m_-1460508093250256094MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">Assessing product development and regulatory approval options</li>
<li class="m_-1460508093250256094MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">Advertising and promotional strategy and review; participating in advertising review committees</li>
<li class="m_-1460508093250256094MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">Counseling on patient privacy protection laws</li>
<li class="m_-1460508093250256094MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">Drafting and support for M&amp;A, partnering, and commercial arrangements</li>
<li class="m_-1460508093250256094MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">Clinical trial counseling and documentation &ndash; regulatory requirements, CRO agreements, CTAs, informed consents, HIPAA authorizations</li>
</ul>
Please see our&nbsp;FDA Regulatory, Healthcare, and Consumer Products&nbsp;overview for more details about our experience in this area.

Regulatory and Compliance

Venture Finance
Wilson Sonsini consistently represents more venture-backed companies than any other law firm in the U.S., according to annual rankings published by&nbsp;Dow Jones VentureSource&nbsp;and&nbsp;PitchBook. A large percentage of our clients that receive venture funding are biotech companies.
<blockquote>
In fact, in 2018, the firm helped life sciences clients raise more than 92 rounds of venture financing.
</blockquote>
One reason for the firm's unmatched standing in the venture finance space is the long-standing relationships we have built working alongside innovative entrepreneurs to launch successful biotech companies. Another key driver of our success is our experience working with influential sources of funding: Wilson Sonsini represents more than 100 venture capital and private equity firms.
Please see our&nbsp;Emerging Companies&nbsp;overview for more details about our top-ranked venture finance practice.

Venture Finance

Capital Markets: IPOs
Many of Wilson Sonsini's successful biotech clients have opted to enter the capital markets, most often through an initial public offering. In a recent five-year span, Wilson Sonsini assisted life sciences clients in more than 50 public offering transactions that have raised nearly $3.8 billion.
In 2019, Wilson Sonsini represented several companies in their IPOs including IGM Biosciences, Livongo, Silk Road Medical, and Alector. In 2018, Wilson Sonsini represented Kodiak Sciences and Allakos in their IPOs. In late 2017, the firm represented Denali Therapeutics in its $250 million IPO&mdash;the biggest biotech IPO that year, based on market cap.&nbsp;Wilson Sonsini was at the forefront of one of the largest IPOs in the history of the life sciences industry in 2016, guiding cancer treatment developer NantKwest to a $207 million debut, and placing the firm's life science practitioners squarely on&nbsp;Law360's&nbsp;Life Sciences Groups of the Year.
In addition, Wilson Sonsini represents biotech companies in their follow-on public offerings. Examples include follow-on transactions completed for IRIDEX, China Biologic, Avinger, and Xenon Pharmaceuticals.
Please see our&nbsp;Capital Markets&nbsp;overview for more details about our experience in equity and non-equity finance.

Capital Markets: IPOs

Mergers and Acquisitions
An acquisition can often be an ideal exit strategy for a biotech company, because it can signal the continued viability of a developing product line, as well as broader, even global distribution options that may not have otherwise been available to the company. Wilson Sonsini has represented a number of biotech clients that reached a point in their development where either selling part or all of the company proved to be the best strategic option.
Between 2013 and 2018, our attorneys have advised life sciences clients in more than 80 M&amp;A transactions valued at more than $84 billion. While Wilson Sonsini has represented biotech clients in hundreds of smaller M&amp;A transactions and limited intellectual property asset acquisitions, the firm has also been involved in some of the largest M&amp;A deals in the life sciences industry. For example, Wilson Sonsini represented Pharmacyclics in its 2015 sale to AbbVie for approximately $21 billion and more recently represented Peloton Therapeutics in its acquisition by Merck.
Please see our&nbsp;M&amp;A&nbsp;overview for more details about our related experience and top-ranked transactions team.

Litigation
As biotech companies grow, they often become involved in a proportionately larger number of business disputes. Our attorneys have successfully represented biotech companies engaged in litigation with competitors, suppliers, service providers, employees, and other entities, with disputes ranging from employment-related lawsuits to high-stakes patent litigation. We have also successfully defended biotech companies in class actions, including antitrust, consumer, and securities litigation matters. In addition to representing companies in federal and state courts throughout the U.S., our attorneys represent companies in arbitrations and mediations.
Please see our&nbsp;Litigation&nbsp;overview for more details about our relevant experience in this area.

Litigation

Innovative and passionate; that's how we describe our biotech companies. From cutting-edge biopharmaceutical therapies to bioinformatics, we support our clients’ pursuit of excellence. Through their relentless drive to innovate, we work to protect pivotal intellectual property, navigate regulatory environments, and advise on financing strategy.

Wilson Sonsini's life sciences practice is one of the largest in the U.S., with more than 275 professionals, including attorneys, patent agents, and scientific advisors.
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One of the Largest Life Sciences Practices in the U.S.

Wilson Sonsini was recently named one of&nbsp;Law360's&nbsp;"Life Sciences Groups of the Year" and ranked No. 1 in the Life Sciences Law Firm Index published by Lake Whillans, based on research conducted by&nbsp;Breaking Media. Most recently, Wilson Sonsini was named the Venture Capital Firm of the Year at the 2019&nbsp;LMG Life Sciences&nbsp;Awards, for a second consecutive year.
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A Nationally Recognized and Ranked Life Sciences Practice

From Maxygen and Illumina to NantHealth and Pharmacyclics, Wilson Sonsini has worked closely with biotechnology innovators&nbsp;for more than 40 years.

 A Leading Strategic Partner to Innovators in Life Sciences

Wilson Sonsini's leadership position in the life sciences sector was established through the firm's longtime representation of innovative biotechnology companies, the pioneering entrepreneurs that start them, and the sophisticated investors that finance them. In fact, Wilson Sonsini has been an active services provider to the biotech community since the formative years of the industry, when bold new companies started developing and commercializing scientific discoveries.
&nbsp;
While the biotech industry grew and matured, our firm's attorneys forged strong ties to clients in the sector by becoming their strategic partners. Our attorneys not only have the expertise to assess the underlying technologies and formulate IP strategies, they have the experience to help clients assess the market and their prospects for financing, in the course of devising strategic and sophisticated business plans that best leverage IP assets.
<blockquote>
Wilson Sonsini's attorneys often act as strategic general counsel, drawing from their broader scope of experience and advising on matters beyond patents and IP.&nbsp;
</blockquote>
Today, the firm's life sciences practice--one of the largest in the U.S.--is anchored by a multi-disciplinary team of more than&nbsp;275&nbsp;professionals, including attorneys, patent agents, and scientific advisors. A substantial number of our practitioners have advanced degrees in biology, chemistry, engineering, or other scientific fields. Similarly, a large number of our professionals have experience working in laboratory, medical, or research facilities. The team also includes attorneys who have served as in-house legal counsel for major life sciences companies, or have held senior positions at U.S. federal agencies, including at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB).
The Industry Experience tab above includes a representative list of life sciences sectors in which our attorneys have experience.&nbsp;Our professionals have experience in nearly every field of medicine and health care, from biochemistry, digital health, and genetics to medical devices, therapeutics, and companion diagnostics/precision medicine. We represent more than 1,000 companies in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical devices, digital health/healthcare IT and other healthcare sectors.
Wilson Sonsini has consistently represented biotech companies at all stages, from formation to exit. Our work with emerging biotech companies is typically focused on two areas that are vital to early-stage enterprises: intellectual property and finance.&nbsp;Our highly regarded IP practice helps growing life sciences companies achieve important milestones by securing, developing, and protecting their most vital IP assets, while also advising established companies responsible for advancing groundbreaking discoveries. In addition, we represent life sciences clients in regulatory and litigation matters, from antitrust and commercial disputes to FDA and export compliance issues.&nbsp;Additional services that our firm routinely provides to similarly situated clients include: FDA counseling services, trademark and advertising, licensing and partnering, post-grant review, and corporate finance and strategy.&nbsp;The tabs above provide additional details about the range of services we provide to life sciences clients.
In short, with more than 1,000 attorneys, Wilson Sonsini provides comprehensive representation to life sciences and biotech industry clients across a broad range of practices, including:
<ul>
<li>Antitrust and Competition</li>
<li>Capital Markets</li>
<li>Corporate Governance</li>
<li>Employee Benefits and Compensation</li>
<li>Employment Litigation</li>
<li>Intellectual Property</li>
<li>Litigation</li>
<li>Mergers &amp; Acquisitions</li>
<li>Real Estate</li>
<li>Regulatory and Compliance</li>
<li>Tax and Tax Equity</li>
<li>Technology Transactions</li>
</ul>

BioTech Industry

Kumquat Biosciences and Takeda Enter into Strategic Collaboration and Global License Agreement

DTx Pharma Announces Acquisition by Novartis

XinThera Announces Acquisition by Gilead Sciences

Aspect Biosystems Announces $2.7 Billion Collaboration with Novo Nordisk

Tenaya Therapeutics Raises Approximately $75 Million in Public Stock Offering

GSK Completes Acquisition of Sierra Oncology

Arcellx, Inc. Raises $124 Million IPO

Ventyx Biosciences Closes IPO at $175 Million

Tenaya Therapeutics Completes IPO Worth $207 Million

Kinnate Biopharma Inc. Raises $276 Million IPO

ALX Oncology Holdings Inc. Closes IPO at $186 Million

ORIC Pharmaceuticals Raises $138 Million IPO

Applied Molecular Transport Closes IPO at $154 Million

IGM Biosciences Launches IPO

Since the early days of the Software industry, Wilson Sonsini has advised developers and publishers at all stages of growth. Then as start-ups, now as well-known Fortune 500 companies, these businesses have established their place as leaders in SaaS.

Wilson Sonsini represented legendary software companies who pioneered the industry, and today represents leaders in the SaaS and cloud computing sectors that it spawned.

Representing the Industry Leaders Then and Now

As the premier provider of legal services to technology companies, Wilson Sonsini has unmatched experience representing clients in the software sector. In fact, our firm has operated at the forefront of the sector since the industry's formative days, advising software developers and publishers at all stages of growth, from start-ups to some of the most well-known names in the business. Clients benefit from our in-depth knowledge of software functions and our expertise in key related areas, including intellectual property, technology transactions, data security, and litigation.
Wilson Sonsini represents more than 350 public and private software companies, and more venture-backed software companies than any other U.S. law firm.
Our experience includes the representation of companies that create and license software, as well as organizations that use software applications to power critical operational functions. Wilson Sonsini represents clients operating in the following areas:
<ul>
<li>Desktop applications</li>
<li>Operating systems</li>
<li>Educational software</li>
<li>Enterprise resource planning (ERP) software</li>
<li>Security software</li>
<li>Cloud computing software</li>
<li>Internet software</li>
<li>Software as a service (SaaS)</li>
<li>Open source software</li>
</ul>
The firm also represents companies that develop and publish vertical market applications, including electronic design automation (EDA), customer relationship management (CRM), human capital management (HCM), and logistics software.

Software Industry

Udemy Raises $50 Million With $2 Billion Valuation in Series F

Cloudflare Successfully Raises $603.8 Million in NYSE Offering

Dropbox Debuts $756 Million IPO On Nasdaq

Nutanix Makes Public Debut in $236.9 Million IPO

RingCentral Lists on NYSE With $97.5 Million IPO

Palo Alto Networks Raises $260 Million With Initial Public Offering

Splunk Lands Securely on Nasdaq in $229 Million IPO

Wilson Sonsini has a legacy of representing pioneers in the media and entertainment industry. From start-ups developing the latest mobile apps to leaders in the online games sector, our attorneys have helped clients develop, monetize, and protect all types of digital media and commercial content and technologies.

From the early days of Napster and Apple's iTunes to Spotify and Pandora today, Wilson Sonsini's attorneys have represented innovative digital media and entertainment companies as they revolutionize content delivery and consumer engagement.

Involved in the Beginning; Still Involved Today

With digital music and games leading the way, aided by advances in mobile technology, the media and entertainment industry has grown faster than almost every other technology sector in recent years.
The quality of digital music, games, and video continues to improve to meet consumer and business demand. At the same time, the number of companies in the media market continues to grow, with participants ranging from successful solo authors and artists to global media powerhouses. There are also a multitude of digital media channels and platforms, including always-on social media applications, easily accessible mobile devices, and traditional media outlets, such as cable television and satellite radio.
As the premier law firm provider to technology companies, Wilson Sonsini has a legacy of representing pioneers in the media and entertainment industry. From start-ups developing the latest mobile apps to leaders in the online games sector, our attorneys have helped clients develop, monetize, and protect all types of digital media and commercial content and technologies.
The firm's representation of media and entertainment clients over the years has given our attorneys a wealth of experience with breakaway innovations and disruptive technologies that have driven the sector, including:
<ul>
<li>Digital music, games, and video for mobile devices</li>
<li>Streaming and on-demand music services</li>
<li>Games and other entertainment media for wearable devices, including watches, bracelets, and eyewear</li>
<li>Mobile and digital media device components, including LED displays and storage and wireless technologies</li>
<li>Digital entertainment subscription and payment systems</li>
<li>Wireless technology standards, such as Bluetooth</li>
<li>Holographic image projections for mobile devices</li>
</ul>

Digital Media and Entertainment Industry

Roblox Secures Direct Listing on NYSE With $38 Billion Market Cap

Microsoft Acquires LinkedIn For $27 Billion

Twitter's IPO on the NYSE Soars at $1.82 Billion

LinkedIn Raises $353 Million in Initial Public Offering

YouTube Announces Acquisition by Google for $1.65 Billion

Disney Agrees to Acquire Pixar for $7.4 Billion 

Dolby Laboratories IPO Successfully Raises $495 Million

Google Hits High Note with Much Anticipated $1.67 Billion IPO

Netflix Establishes Itself Further In $94.9 Million IPO Debut

Pixar Doubles Down on $132 Million IPO

Apple Debuts on NASDAQ in $101.2 Million IPO

Industry Hightlights 

Our lives have changed dramatically since the emergence of smartphones. Buying a bagel no longer means stepping foot into a bakery and exchanging clothes doesn’t mean digging through trash for crumpled receipts. Our digital footprint is expansive and Wilson Sonsini has played a pivotal role in that journey, representing companies in wireless software to touchscreens.

Wilson Sonsini advises industry-leading companies in the mobile sector, from start-up app developers to wireless technology giants.

Wilson Sonsini Represents Leading Mobile Software and Device Manufacturers

Mobile computing options for businesses and consumers include increasingly high-powered, connected laptops and tablets. Similarly, smartphones have evolved to meet the ever-growing demands for feature-rich devices while constantly becoming faster and more varied in size. As the market for mobile computing and communications expands, so do the opportunities for innovative companies, disruptive technologies, and even veteran hardware manufacturers.
As the premier provider of legal services to technology companies, Wilson Sonsini has worked with leading companies in the mobile sector, from start-up app developers to wireless technology giants. Given our representation of mobile clients, our attorneys have direct experience with technologies that include:
<ul>
<li>LED display components</li>
<li>Text, video, and voice messaging</li>
<li>Digital media for mobile devices</li>
<li>Mobile games</li>
<li>Wireless technology standards, such as Bluetooth</li>
<li>Holographic image projections for mobile devices</li>
<li>Mobile banking and payment systems</li>
<li>Wearable devices, including watches, bracelets, and eyewear</li>
</ul>

Mobile Device Industry

DoorDash Goes Public on NYSE in $3.37 Billion IPO

Agora IPO Brings in $350 Million

Lyft Joins Nasdaq in $2.34 Billion IPO

Square Prices Senior Note Offering at $1 Billion

Leading Sectors In VC Financings

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AI? Absolutely. Biotech? You bet. Fintech? Check. No matter your industry or vertical, we can help. With over 1,000 attorneys in offices across three continents, and over 37 languages spoken within our firm, Wilson Sonsini is fluent in juggling a diverse client base.

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