Kirkland & Ellis LLP’s technology and IP transactions practice leverages the firm’s international presence to undertake an impressive variety of cross-border work, particularly in the biotech, AI, and manufacturing spaces. The group concentrates on business transactions relating to tech assets and IP rights and frequently adopts a multidisciplinary approach in transactions by liaising with its tax and corporate disciplines. Seth Traxler is recognized for his strengths in carve-out transactions and strategic alliances between tech companies and e-commerce marketplace platforms, while Matthew Lovell guides clients through telecoms projects and IP licensing matters. Neil Hirshman handles domestic and foreign transactions involving software, trademarks, and data. San Francisco-based John Lynn is noted for his skill in the acquisition and financing of tech-focused businesses, in addition to fielding significant know-how in data protection concerns. Unless otherwise mentioned, all individuals are stationed in the firm’s Chicago office.

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Key clients

  • Apax Partners
  • AppHub Holdings
  • Celsius Network LLC
  • Charter Communication
  • Cosm
  • Cvent Holding Corp
  • Eli Lilly
  • Firefly Aerospace
  • Francisco Partners Management
  • Galaxy Digital Holdings Ltd.
  • Naver Corporation
  • TA Associates
  • Thomas H. Lee
  • Thoma Bravo
  • TPG Capital
  • Transom
  • Victoria’s Secret
  • Vista Equity Partners

Work highlights

  • Advised Firefly Aerospace on its collaboration with Northrop Grumman Corporation to provide an American-built first-stage upgrade for Northrop Grumman’s Antares rocket.
  • Advised Victoria’s Secret & Co on its acquisition of Adore Me, Inc.
  • Advised Cosm on its multi-year strategic partnership agreement with the NBA, UFC, and Cirque Du Soleil.

Other key lawyers

Seth Traxler, Neil Hirshman, Matthew Lovell, John Lynn