|
Sam Jo is a technology business lawyer who focuses his practice on complex commercial and licensing agreements, as well as commercial technology product/platform development, integration, launch, and counseling, with a particular emphasis on emerging technologies and platforms such as machine learning and AI, blockchain and distributed ledger technologies, and Internet of Things (IoT). His background as an electrical engineer allows him to provide value to his clients in developing technically-oriented legal solutions when counseling on complex issues. He has extensive experience representing startups and emerging growth entities, high-profile technology enterprises as well as Fortune 500 companies in a wide variety of industry sectors, such as pharmaceuticals and medical devices, healthcare, transportation, consumer goods and electronics, financial services, technology, and energy.
Machine Learning/AI
Sam has represented numerous clients with respect to machine learning/AI product development and licensing arrangements, including for clients in the robotics and automation industry, as well as technology and infrastructure providers. He routinely represents clients in negotiating machine learning agreements covering engagements such as complex model co-development, inbound and outbound model licensing, and machine learning/AI platform integrations. Sam was recently seconded to Microsoft’s AI and Research department, where he provided counseling on AI product and platform development, licensing, deployment, and integration issues for Microsoft’s Bing, Cortana, and Enterprise Graph products.
Blockchain and Distributed Ledger Technologies
Sam focuses his blockchain practice on complex enterprise blockchain/DLT platform integrations and collaborations, and works closely with one of the leading enterprise blockchain hosting infrastructures in this capacity. Sam also regularly works with the firm’s many blockchain, Bitcoin and cryptocurrency clients in monetizing enterprise blockchain/DLT offerings, such as structuring and negotiating strategic onshore and offshore alliances, blockchain-as-a-service agreements, and reseller/distribution agreements.
Internet of Things
Sam works with both retail and commercial IoT clients in a variety of matters, including IoT platform migrations, integrations and hybrid-cloud development engagements; IoT infrastructure deployments through infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS) and platform-as-a-service (PaaS) distribution models; and software and app launches on retail devices, including related privacy and regulatory reviews.
Cloud Computing and E-commerce
Sam represents providers and buyers of web-based and e-commerce computing products and services in software-as-a-service (SaaS), IaaS, and PaaS transactions, and he assists clients in developing terms of use and privacy policies in connection with those products and services.
Enterprise IT
Sam regularly represents a number of Fortune 500 companies in enterprise and mission critical hardware, service and IT system procurement transactions, including development engagements; manufacturing, supply, and distribution agreements; software, patent, and technology licensing; systems integrations and component assembly; as well as assisting in creating and responding to requests for proposals (RFPs). Sam has represented both providers and customers in such capacity, giving him a holistic and comparative perspective that helps advance his clients’ interests. He has also represented both providers and customers in large-scale global IT and business process outsourcing transactions.
Marketing and Advertising
Sam has worked on numerous marketing, revenue sharing and advertising initiatives, often involving complex and strategic underlying software and hardware integration and distribution alliances. He has assisted clients in monetizing data collected through desktops, mobile devices, and other IoT devices, and he has coordinated related privacy reviews implicated in the collection, transfer and processing of that data, both within the United States and abroad.
Corporate
In addition, Sam supports the firm’s Corporate and Emerging Company & Venture Capital practices in mergers, acquisitions, spin-offs, security agreements, and other investment transactions. He advises on related intellectual property, privacy, and technology issues; coordinates technology and IP diligence efforts; and drafts and negotiates ancillary documents.
*Admitted in Washington only.
Professional Recognition
- Listed in Thomson Reuters “Stand-out Lawyers,” 2024
- Selected for inclusion in Texas Super Lawyers - Rising Stars Edition, Thomson Reuters, 2016 - 2020
Professional Leadership
- Dallas Asian American Bar Association
- Asian Bar Association of Washington
- Korean American Professional Network
- Leadership Arts Institute, Business Council for the Arts
