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Very interested in this practice area. Was wondering if anyone had any insight into the lifestyle (volatility/amount of hours), type of work (amount of creativity involved), or exit options (would love to eventually work with tech start-ups)? Thanks!

Based on my limited knowledge:

I'm assuming you want to work on the company side rather than the investor side. I don't think the work itself drastically differs from doing the same sort of work for non-tech companies other than the fact that it is mostly located in SV. I think hours might differ but I imagine that's more of a product of working in SV instead of say NYC and not because of the work itself.

from what i've heard, very volatile. deal comes, gotta get it done. probably similar to m&a but maybe worse because they're smaller, shorter-term events.

IP corporate person here.

The lifestyle is quite volatile as it is dealwork which starts and stops at a moment's notice. The hours can be quite long. It actually may be more volatile than general corporate deal work since IP is only a component of the deal so you'll be on several deals at once, each of which may blow up or die at any time.

The "creativity" needed varies - it may simply be checking IP ownership and due diligence, to crafting license agreements, constructing IP holding companies, and negotiating complex contract terms. Of course, junior associates tackle more of the grunt work.

The exit options are pretty good - in house to a company (especially one that acquires other companies or is hoping to be acquired) or universities with tech transfer departments.