David turns complex IP, AI, and IT issues into business‑winning deals—combining deep tech-law counseling experience with courtroom‑tested judgment.
Overview
A seasoned intellectual property and technology lawyer, David provides fully integrated IP, AI, and information technology counseling to clients from startups to Fortune 100 companies.
Intellectual Property and Information Technology Counseling and Transactions
David has led thousands of intellectual property and information technology deals. He brings to each negotiation a rare combination of deep knowledge of intellectual property law; complex licensing and technology transfer strategies; fluency in computer systems and information technology industry issues; and best practices in artificial intelligence, data privacy, and security. David’s experience helps him spot issues commonly missed by opposing parties, giving him and his clients every advantage to achieve their business goals. A sampling of transactions, negotiations, and counseling issues David regularly leads appears under the "Experience" section below.
Having been a litigator, David brings insights into how disputes begin—and how they are won—to the courtroom and the boardroom. By anticipating pitfalls and leverage points, he helps prevent litigation by positioning clients effectively during deal negotiations.
Artificial Intelligence
David is a trusted advisor to innovation‑driven businesses, bringing a pragmatic, business‑first approach to intellectual property and technology matters. As head of Stinson LLP’s AI Task Force, he leads the firm’s multidisciplinary efforts to help clients navigate the rapidly evolving legal and regulatory landscape surrounding artificial intelligence. He counsels companies on responsible AI adoption, governance, risk management, and commercialization strategies, with a focus on aligning cutting‑edge technologies to real‑world business objectives. Drawing on deep experience across complex IP, licensing, and technology transactions, David helps clients protect core assets, accelerate growth, and deploy AI solutions with confidence.
Data, Privacy and Security
David guides clients through transactions with a focus on the value of data and related privacy and cybersecurity considerations. With an eye toward increased regulation and heightened expectations from business partners and consumers, he helps clients prepare through appropriate vendor diligence, controls, audits, testing, and agreements.
David is also an experienced data‑breach response counselor. He has experience across the incident lifecycle—from rapid containment and team coordination to practical advice that minimizes liability and reputational risk. David regularly acts as a sounding board for overall breach‑response strategy, including aligning business priorities with matters handled by insurance panel counsel.
Intellectual Property Litigation
David’s intellectual property litigation experience focuses on patent and copyright disputes, and he frequently represents clients in technology‑related contract matters. His patent cases have involved technologies including medical devices and procedures, molecular and microbiology, and computer software, hardware, networking, and storage. He has a long history of defending clients of all sizes against claims brought by non‑practicing patent and copyright entities and provides insight into methods for efficiently and cost‑effectively resolving such disputes. With a degree in biology and research experience in microbiology and virology (specifically coronavirus), David is also a registered patent attorney admitted to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
Experience
David has served as primary outside IP and IT counsel for clients ranging from startups to billion‑dollar enterprises, providing strategic business and portfolio counseling; negotiation and preparation of critical software and services agreements; M&A and vendor due diligence; artificial intelligence governance and compliance advice; data privacy and security counseling; and litigation and dispute resolution. Examples of transactions, negotiations, and counseling areas David regularly leads include:
- Strategic AI initiatives, including vendor vetting, internal AI governance and policy strategy, and compliance.
- Complex software and IP licensing, joint development, and technology transfer.
- Bet‑the‑company software development, customization, and IT infrastructure migrations.
- Big data counseling, including ownership, control, AI considerations, privacy and consent issues, litigation avoidance, and monetization.
- SaaS, PaaS, managed services, independent contractor, and other outsourced IT agreements and strategy.
- M&A and vendor due diligence regarding intellectual property, IT systems, AI, data, security, and privacy.
- Strategic intellectual property portfolio management.
- Employment‑ and independent‑contractor‑related IP ownership and trade secret issues, including forensic data investigations, disputes, portfolio cleanup, and guidance (whether for good corporate hygiene or in preparation for potential investors or acquirers).
Specific examples of David's work include:
- Counseling on, negotiating, and drafting agreements for strategic alliances to develop new and improved technologies across multiple industries, including AI models related to biomedical products and services; biological compounds for various uses, such as animal nutrition; biomedical testing products and services; IoT devices and platform ecosystems; and the migration of existing platforms and products toward "smart" equipment.
- Vetting AI vendors for clients seeking to implement new AI processes within their companies or as part of their product and service offerings, advising on the offering of AI products and services to their customers, and negotiating related agreements.
- Leading negotiations for several bet‑the‑company software development and implementation agreements across many industries, including upgrading or replacing legacy ERP systems and components.
- Leading negotiations for agreements involving major software and IT infrastructure changes for multiple clients, including health care plan providers and health services and medical device companies.
- Representing multiple software, IT, biomedical, and biotechnology companies in patent infringement litigation involving software, processes, hardware, medical devices, biological compounds, and surgical techniques.
As a dedicated member of the firm’s pro bono community, David represents clients referred from the firm’s Deinard Legal Clinic, Volunteer Lawyers Network, Legal Aid, and other community organizations on issues such as housing law and criminal expungement. For many years David has also been co-chair of the firm’s Associate Development and Mentoring Committee and a member of the Well-Being Committee, helping to foster a positive and fruitful work environment for his colleagues and the next generation of attorneys.
News & Insights
News
Speaking Engagements
"AI and Contracts – Legal Issues, Risks, and Practical Guidance for Drafting Agreements," AI in Action: Practical Tools for Today’s Business Lawyer, Minnesota CLE, December 10, 2025
"From Insight to Oversight: AI for Boards," Society for Corporate Governance/Stinson, December 3, 2025
"AI and Contracts – Legal Issues, Risks, and Practical Guidance for Drafting Agreements," AI and the Law Conference, Minnesota CLE, November 10, 2025
"Unusual Assets and Contemporary Trends," (panel discussion including AI, blockchain, and other unusual assets), What Keeps Fiduciaries Up At Night, Robins Kaplan, October 23, 2025
"Current Leading Practices for Vetting and Negotiating with AI Vendors and Mitigating Risks," KPMG/Stinson AI Roundtable, October 15, 2025
"Generative AI Risk and Rewards," GRC Roundtable - Minneapolis, October 4, 2023
"Copyright Update – Generative Artificial Intelligence and Copyright," 2023 Midwest Intellectual Property Institute, September 29, 2023
"Privacy Preparedness – Getting Ready for 2023," Stinson LLP, July 28, 2022 and August 11, 2022
"Recent Developments in Life Science Law – What's New, What's Coming - Intersection between HIPAA & Privacy Laws" Stinson's Life Sciences Law Update, May 26, 2021
"How to Boost Business Growth With All This Data," Startland Innovation Exchange, April 22, 2021
"Data Security and Privacy: How Does It Affect You?," Blue Cross Blue Shield Association National Summit, September 22, 2020
"Monetizing in the New Economy," MN CLE Business Law Update, September 2, 2020
"Intellectual Property and Regulatory Do's and Don'ts In Insurance Marketing," National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies (NAMIC), July 23, 2020
"Data Privacy and Cybersecurity For ERISA Retirement Plans," Minneapolis Pension Council, February 20, 2020
"CCPA Compliance Webinar," Stinson LLP, Series – September 26, 2019; November 6, 2019; December 11, 2019
"Crisis Management and Response Simulation," GRC Roundtable Series, November 7, 2019
"California Consumer Privacy Act,” Stinson LLP Knowledge Share, June 17, 2019
"Data Security & Privacy Law Update," Stinson LLP, May 30, 2019
"Complying with the Coming Cybersecurity Regulation," American Fraternal Alliance Spring Symposium, May 23, 2018
"Eviction Representation Project Roundtable," Volunteer Lawyers Network Annual Housing Law Seminar, April 30, 2019 (Received Housing Law Firm of the Year Award)
"Securing Important, but Often Forgotten, Intellectual Property Terms in Technology Transfer Deals," Medical Alley Association, April 2018
"Data Breach Simulation," (Health Plan Focus) Stinson LLP, April 18, 2018
"Current Trends in Data Breaches and Cybersecurity Contract and M&A Clauses." Stinson LLP Knowledge Share, April 16, 2018
"The Legal Landscape of the Internet of Things: IP in IoT: Challenges Presented by the Internet of Things when Protecting your Products," Minnesota Journal of Law, Science, & Technology Symposium, March 2, 2018
"Trends in Cybersecurity and Breach Response," Stinson LLP Business Law Update, February 21, 2018
"Managing Cybersecurity Risk," Minneapolis Pension Council, November 16, 2017
"Data Security in M&A," Stinson LLP, November 14, 2017
"Managing Cybersecurity Risk," American Fraternal Alliance, November 9, 2017
"IP Due Diligence in M&A Transactions," Stinson LLP, July 14, 2017
"What to Do in the Event of an Online Breach – Protocols for Regulators," The Midwest Regional Gaming Regulator's Seminar, July 13, 2017
"Developments in International Law Practice Under the New Administration, Cyber Security: New and Evolving Legal Standards and Threats," The 41st Annual International Business Law Institute, May 18, 2017
"Cloud Computing and Data Sharing Issues," Advanced Contract Issues for In-House Counsel, Minnesota CLE, April 19, 2017
"Patent Law Update," Patent Law Webcast Series, Minnesota CLE, March 7, 2017
"Relationship Challenges and Opportunities with Corporate Clients and Outside Counsel," Stinson LLP E-Discovery Seminar, November 30, 2016
"Intellectual Property and Technology Update," Stinson LLP Business Law Update, April 7, 2016
"Protecting Intellectual Property and Avoiding IP Missteps in E-Commerce," Advising Businesses that Sell Goods or Services Online, Minnesota CLE, March 14 and August 30, 2016
"Applying the New Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (FRCP): Are You Ready for Big Changes?" National Business Institute, December 8, 2015
"It’s No Longer ‘If,’ but ‘When’: Data Security Incident Response Planning and Preparedness," Closely Held Business Conference, Minnesota CLE, October 27, 2015
"Strategies for Enforcing Intellectual Property," Stinson LLP, May 20, 2015
"Data Security Response Plans," Stinson LLP Business Law Update, April 16, 2015
"Data Privacy and Security Concerns of Employers," Advanced Employee Benefits Workshop, Minnesota CLE, February 19, 2015
"Data Security and Social Media for the Construction Industry," Stinson LLP Construction Law Update, December 10, 2014
"Answers to 10 Common Client Questions About Copyrights and Websites, Software, and PowerPoint Presentations," Midwest Intellectual Property Institute, September 19, 2014
"When Data Security and Attorney Ethics Collide," Stinson LLP CLE, August 18, 2014
"The Supreme Court Unties the Hands of Courts to Award Attorneys’ Fees in Patent Cases," Stinson LLP Alert, April 2014
"Tailor-Made Mentoring: Two Law Firms’ Perspectives on Implementing, Refocusing and Sustaining Formal Programs," NALP 2014 Annual Education Conference and Resource Center Exhibition, April 2014
"The Federal Circuit Court Holds that the Construction of Patent Claims Will Still be Reviewed De Novo on Appeal," Stinson LLP Alert, February 2014
"Reduce Discovery Costs, Save Employee Time, and Make Friends in IT," Association of Corporate Counsel Presentation, January 2014
Dozens of other presentations and articles related to artificial intelligence, patent litigation and related post-grant review and inter-partes review proceedings, e-discovery, e-commerce and various internet-related issues; social media, privacy, intellectual property ownership and licensing, Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), reverse engineering, unsolicited e-mail (spam), and emerging technology issues
Recognitions
Recognitions
Named among The Best Lawyers in America® in the area of information technology law
2005 Pro Bono Service Award
Professional & Civic Activities
Professional & Civic Activities
American Bar Association
Minnesota State Bar Association
Federal Circuit Bar Association
American Intellectual Property Law Association
Volunteer Lawyer's Network (VLN), Housing Law Committee
Practices & Industries
- Intellectual Property & Technology
- IP & Technology Transactions
- e-Discovery & Forensics
- Patent Litigation
- Pharmaceutical & Medical Device Litigation
- Cybersecurity & Data Privacy
- Trademark, Trade Dress, False Advertising & Unfair Competition Litigation
- Entertainment & Media
- Artificial Intelligence
- Biotechnology
- Chemical & Pharmaceutical
- Copyright Litigation
- Copyright Protection
- Insurance
- IP & Technology M&A Due Diligence
- Life Sciences
- Post-Grant Proceedings
- Trade Secret Litigation
- Unmanned Aircraft Systems & Autonomous Vehicles
Admissions
- Minnesota
- U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
- U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Registered Patent Attorney
Education
The University of Iowa College of Law, J.D., with high distinction, 2001
- Order of the Coif
- Transnational Law & Contemporary Problems, Editor in Chief, 2000-2001
Grinnell College, B.A., Biology, with honors, 1997
