A former in-house lawyer for a multi-billion dollar software company, Richard negotiates complex and sophisticated commercial agreements and advises clients on technology-related issues, including proprietary and open source software, cloud computing, e-commerce, privacy, data security, social media and digital marketing. He also has considerable experience on the other side of the table, regularly assisting technology licensees and users with getting the best and most protective deal possible. As part of his robust startup practice, Richard advises clients on important establishment and evolution issues, such as formation, protection and commercialization of intellectual property, competition, funding and growth.
Another significant portion of Richard’s practice: advising clients on how to structure legally-compliant advertising, branding and promotional campaigns, including sweepstakes, contests, drawings, and loyalty programs. In connection with this and other aspects of Richard’s practice, he regularly counsels clients on how to comply with applicable laws, regulations and guidelines such as the FTC Act, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), the California Consumer Protection Act (CCPA), the FTC’s Endorsement Guidelines, and negative option and automatic renewal laws, among many others.
Richard has been a car aficionado since his earliest memories, and very much prefers to “row” the gears himself when given the choice. Outside the office, he loves to stay active – often times with friends and his amazingly supportive family – with things like golf, hiking, fishing, endurance events, tennis and softball.
Know your client’s business inside and out, as if it were your own. Doing so will enable you to assist them in the best, most effective, and most practical way possible.
Richard frequently speaks on topics such as open source software (OSS), advertising compliance and branding issues, and technology services agreements.
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