With years of comprehensive experience navigating the complexities of intellectual property and startups, Stephen offers unparalleled advice for innovators and investors focusing on climate, web3 and IP development.  His practice areas highlight his expertise in financing transactions, governance and litigation. He represents startups, novel crypto initiatives and capital allocators.

Ever since his older brother took credit for naming their first Dalmatian, Spot, Stephen has understood the value of protecting and defending a good idea. He has done some impressive things like defend the design of Volkswagen autos in Court and seen the joy of eleven different juries judge his capabilities in a courtroom. Clients enjoy Stephen for being authentic, confident, and able to engage in profoundly entertaining discussions on how a tall man lives in a world not designed for him. They also enjoy that Stephen understands the high stakes of their toil, sweat, and intellectual capital, and responds accordingly.

Stephen began his career advising the largest manufacturers in the world on their extensive intellectual property portfolios. He then moved to advise startups on their formation, governance and litigation, including leading projects in the crypto and climate space.

Now, Stephen plays an integral role in advising various crypto-focused companies, DAOs and capital firms. Stephen also navigates his clients through complicated matters that reach litigation; negotiating settlements and trial victories against major semiconductor manufacturers, NFT issuers and IP developers of all types. 

A surfer, crossfitter, yogi, and life-long volleyball player, Stephen fits all the stereotypes his clients have of a Southern Californian. Ask him about Mavericks (the wave) or Maverick (the pilot) and sit back for some time. Behind the scenes, Stephen will tell you not to be deceived by your first impression, he is actually an approachable guy.

Outside of his practice, Stephen sits on the board of the Los Angeles Center for Law and Justice providing pro bono immigration and domestic violence services to the citizens of Los Angeles County. Stephen is also on the board of the Los Angeles Intellectual Property Law Association and Los Angeles County Bar Association, Entertainment Law and Intellectual Property Section. 

Stephen is also a leader with the Surfrider Foundation, dedicated to maintaining access to safe beaches for all to enjoy, just as he does.

Noteworthy: Stephen has appeared on numerous Web3 and IP panels and podcasts discussing the current state of how startups can best manage and develop their IP portfolios. Some of these appearances include: 

• “Creation and Maintenance of IP Rights with On-chain Activities”
• “The Legal Regime of Non-Fungible Tokens Between IP, Tax and Consumer Law”
• “Copyrights and NFTs”, U.S. Copyright Office
• “My Client is a DAO?”
• “IP Licenses and NFTs”

Stephen has also negotiated and finalized significant litigation, including: 

• Leadfactors, LLC v. Cisco Systems, Inc. (San Jose, California) Resurrected on appeal a trade secret case that was dismissed on summary judgment (2018) and procured a $3,000,000 stipulated judgment for the client. (2022)
• Monarch Medical Technologies, Inc. adv. Glytech, LLC (U.S. Dist. Court, Southern Dist. of S. Carolina) Favorably resolved a trade secret lawsuit with a competitor in the medical services industry. (2021)
• Ivalua, Inc. adv. Periscope Holdings, Inc. (NY State Court, Manhattan) Favorably resolved a Silicon Valley-based software client’s claims and defense of crossclaims in matter involving alleged trade secret misappropriation. (2021)