William I. Schwartz

William Schwartz concentrates on the representation of companies in business transactions and counseling involving intellectual property and technology, including licensing, development agreements, distribution and commercialization activities, joint ventures, and outsourcing and other services arrangements.

Mr. Schwartz has been particularly active on transactional and counseling matters relating to computers (including hardware and both open-source and proprietary software), communications equipment (including wireless communications devices), semiconductors, the Internet, electronic commerce, and other advanced information technology.

Mr. Schwartz represented Novell in its patent arrangement and strategic relationship with Microsoft relating to open-source software and in the formation of Open Invention Network, a company formed by Novell, IBM, Philips, Red Hat, and Sony to promote the Linux operating system by using an innovative model for patents; and Sprint Nextel in its agreements with Qualcomm, Motorola, and other companies in connection with the development, licensing, and deployment of technology for the next generation of Sprint Nextel's wireless telecommunications services.

He also has represented numerous other clients in patent licensing matters, including Altera, BEA Systems, DoubleClick, Panasonic, Stanford University, and Toshiba. In addition, he has represented various other entities, including Advent Software, Atmel, Charter Communications, IPWireless, Reliance Communications, Saba Software, Sanrio, Silicon Genesis, Trilogy Software, and Visa, in connection with information technology and intellectual property matters.

Before starting his law career, Mr. Schwartz was a reporter and editor of the Asian edition of The Wall Street Journal, based in Tokyo and Hong Kong. He has held leadership positions at Morrison & Foerster, including founding Co-Chair of the firm's Intellectual Property practice (1990-1997) and Managing Partner for Operations of the firm (1997-1999).

Good to know

Areas of Practice 1) Intellectual Property, 2) Technology Transactions, 3) Information Technology and 4) Software
Law School University of Chicago Law School (J.D., 1983)
Education Amherst College (B.A., 1976)
Bar Member / Association State Bar Of California
Most recent firm Morrison & Foerster LLP
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