Companies that embody advanced technology in a wide range of sectors rely on Cox Smith to handle their business law, intellectual property and litigation needs. The types of companies we assist, and the matters we handle for them, are as varied as the technology itself. For example, our lawyers have:

• Advised a jewelry manufacturer and a nuclear power plant on installation of their respective enterprise resource IT systems
• Negotiated technology development contracts for a global telecommunications firm
• Counseled a computer data security firm on everything from licensing to subpoena response
• Provided patent prosecution and counseling to a provider of surgery data collection software
• Handled a technology incubator’s spinoff of a biotech company to a corporate purchaser

Client focus

• Technology companies in industry sectors such as computers and software, medical devices, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, telecommunications and nuclear power
• Venture and private equity investors
• Financial service companies
• University and public sector technology incubators

Services to technology companies
Corporate. Our lawyers often serve as corporate counsel to technology companies, helping them handle the details of successful growth strategies from business entity selection through business combinations with established companies. We often help emerging companies with acquisitions and mergers, tender offers and leveraged buy-outs, as well as with their complex securities, corporate finance, governance, employee compensation and tax issues.

Intellectual property. We give technology companies guidance to build, exploit and protect their intellectual asset portfolios. We integrate our services for the prosecution, registration, protection and licensing of trademarks, copyrights and patents with a business eye for competitive needs years into the future. That includes strategic planning for mergers and acquisitions designed to leverage IP strengths, as well as licensing agreements that both extend and protect ownership rights.

Information technology. When technology companies need help with their information technology needs, we add value throughout the development and application process. Our lawyers have helped guide the legal aspects of computer and software system installation for clients ranging from nuclear power plants to major financial institutions, and advise clients on a wide range of legal issues involved in software development and application. Cox Smith offers a complete service package, from drafting development contracts to negotiating contract concessions and performance guarantees, to software licensing and protection, to structuring strategic alliances for outsourcing technology functions and commercializing proprietary systems.

Dispute resolution. We represent technology companies in all aspects of intellectual property disputes, including infringement of patents, copyrights, trademarks, trade dress, service marks and trade secrets. Our lawyers also handle controversies involving employment and non-compete agreements, licensing, warranties, contracts and securities matters.

Services to investors
Cox Smith advises investment funds on the financing, governance and general corporate issues involved with the acquisition of emerging growth companies as portfolio investments. Often these investments involve venture capital funding and public-private partnerships generated through technology incubator organizations.

Services to financial institutions
Cox Smith regularly works with financial institution clients to negotiate third party vendor agreements and other technology contracts, and provide comprehensive counsel on data security and privacy issues (including compliance with the data privacy laws in more than 40 states).

We have combined our technology and regulatory insight to help a national bank develop an innovative stored value card program now available throughout the United States. We have also advised banking clients on developing other cutting-edge technology services, such as payroll card programs, online banking products, remote capture programs and cash management services. Our strength lies not just in understanding the structuring of these products, but also in understanding how to apply the bank regulatory framework to their operation.

Services to technology incubators
Our firm serves as legal and business counselors to state-funded technology acceleration programs and major research universities on their technology development and venture business incubation efforts. For example, we advised on the first successful spinoff of a company started at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.