Now more than ever, technology is influencing the way we do business, communicate, move through and around the world, access and manage our homes, receive and administer healthcare, make purchases, secure information, and protect our most valuable property. Morrison Foerster keeps pace with this rapidly evolving landscape across our internationally recognized corporate, finance, intellectual property, and litigation practices. MoFo Tech brings together our insights relating to fields such as blockchain and distributed ledger, cloud and as-a-service technologies, driverless cars, drones, fintech, computer hardware and software, the Internet of Things, semiconductors, and telecommunications. The MoFo Tech blog offers real-time, in-depth analyses of the trends and complex issues shaping the global technology industry.<h2>ABOUT MORRISON FOERSTER</h2>Morrison Foerster is a leading global law firm that transforms complexity into advantage for its clients. Our clients include some of the largest financial institutions, banks, consulting and accounting firms, and Fortune 100, technology, and life sciences companies. Highlighting the firm’s commitment to client service, leadership in market-changing deals and impact litigation, and values-based culture, Morrison Foerster has been repeatedly recognized as one of the top 10 firms on The American Lawyer’s A-List. Year after year, the firm receives significant recognition from Chambers and The Legal 500 across their various guides, including Global, USA, Asia‑Pacific, Europe, UK, Latin America, and FinTech Legal. Our lawyers passionately care about delivering legal excellence while living our values. Morrison Foerster has a long-standing commitment to creating a culture that respects and celebrates differences, while providing an inclusive environment. The firm has achieved Mansfield Certification Plus since 2018 as a result of successfully reaching at least 30 percent women, communities of color, and LGBTQ+ lawyer representation in a notable number of current leadership roles and committees. The firm also has a long history of commitment to the community and society through providing pro bono legal services, including litigating for civil rights and civil liberties, improving public education and fostering the wellbeing of children, advocating for veterans, promoting international human rights, enforcing the right to asylum, and safeguarding the environment.

Social

Search

testimage.jpg

MoFo Tech

Scott Llewellyn’s practice focuses on complex litigation in federal and state courts around the country, with an emphasis on patent and trade secret disputes. Over the past decade, he has worked on some of the most significant, high–profile IP cases involving technology for televisions, smartphones, and self–driving cars, relying on 40 years of experience with computer hardware and software. Scott also has significant experience with business divorce cases before courts and arbitrators, involving a mix of trade secret, patent, tort, and contract claims relating to technology development and implementation.Scott also has successfully tried general commercial arbitration and agency matters, briefed and argued various appeals in federal appellate court, and tried more than 20 cases for the Denver City Attorney’s office, most of them jury trials.Scott also has an active pro bono practice, having worked on a variety of criminal and immigration appeals, and having represented Colorado criminal defense and mental health organizations in high–profile suits against the state of Colorado for violations of the constitutional rights of defendants.At MoFo, Scott serves on the board of the Morrison & Foerster Foundation. In the broader legal community, he serves on the boards of the Colorado Lawyers Committee and Drop in the Bucket (a charity that builds wells and sanitation systems in sub–Saharan Africa).After law school, Scott clerked for the Honorable Clarence A. Brimmer, District of Wyoming, and the Honorable Diarmuid F. O’Scannlain, Ninth Circuit. He was also previously an adjunct professor at the Georgetown University Law Center.

llewellyn_scott_blog_150x150.png

llewellyn_scott_common_640x280.jpg

llewellyn_scott_heroretina_2700x1160.jpg

llewellyn_scott_mobileretina_750x1040.jpg

llewellyn_scott_social_600x600.jpg

Partner

Scott Llewellyn’s practice involves complex litigation before state and federal courts around the country, with an emphasis on patent and trade secret disputes for high-tech companies, to which he brings more than 35 years of experience with computer hardware and software, in particular relating to the processing and transmission of audio, video, voice, and other types of data. Mr. Llewellyn has also tried commercial arbitration and agency matters; briefed and argued various appeals in federal appellate court; and tried more than 20 cases for the Denver city attorney’s office, most of them jury trials.

Scott F. Llewellyn

favicon.ico

favicon-16x16.png

favicon-32x32.png

apple-touch-icon.png

MoFo Favicons

MoFo Tech brings together legal insights and in-depth analyses on trends and complex issues shaping the global technology industry, covering fields such as blockchain and distributed ledger, cloud and SaaS technologies, driverless cars, drones, FinTech, computer hardware and software, the IoT, semiconductors, and telecommunications.

Mofo Tech testimage

Announcements

Welcome to the MoFo Tech Blog

Blog - Blog Disclaimer

Blog - Terms of Use

Blog - Privacy Policy

Blog - Attorney Advertising

morrison-foerster-blog-logo.png

Provides insights and reports on the most current class actions lawsuits and product liability issues that affect consumer-facing companies.

Class Dismissed Blog

Class Dismissed

In-depth analysis of developments and trends impacting government contracting.

Government Contract Insights Blog

Government Contract Insights

Government Contracts Insights Blog

Govcon

News and thought leadership from lawyers who are adding value to the legal profession and the communities we call home.

  External-Link

MoFo + Blog

MoFo+ Together

MoFo Tech brings together legal insights and in-depth analyses on trends and complex issues shaping the global technology industry, covering fields such as blockchain and distributed ledger, cloud and SaaS technologies, driverless cars, drones, FinTech, computer hardware and software, the IoT, semiconductors, and telecommunications.

MoFo Tech

  Linkedin

MoFo LinkedIN

MoFo Tech Blog - RSS

Stay Connected

At the Intersection of Technology, Law, and Business

At the Intersection of Technology, Law, and Business

Morrison Foerster - Footer

Blogs -  Home Button

Home

Blog - Topics

Telecommunications

Artificial Intelligence

Asia

Blockchain

Cloud Services + SaaS

European Union

Financings

Fintech

Hardware

Intellectual Property

Internet of Things

Litigation

Mergers + Acquisitions

Privacy + Data Security

Regulatory

Software

Tech Talks

Topics

Blog - Editors

Editors

Blog - About

About

Blog - Subscribe

Subscribe

More

Current State of the AI VC Financing Market

MoFo Tech Law Summit – Tech and Antitrust: Policy Shifts in the Second Trump Administration

MoFo Tech Law Summit – Responsible Tech: Policy Becomes Practice

AI Dynamics: Regulatory Landscape and Industry Insights

Introducing the MoFo Tech Law Summit – Innovation Under Regulation

In a move likely welcomed by publishers seeking a solution to honoring “sale” opt-outs in the interest-based advertising space, the Interactive Advertising Bureau last week released the IAB California Consumer Privacy Act Compliance Framework for Publishers and Technology Companies. The IAB is the trade association for the digital media and marketing industries, and it developed the Framework to help publishers (i.e., websites) and the online advertising supply chain comply with the CCPA — and particularly with the CCPA’s right to consumer opt-outs of “sales” of personal information. Read our <a href="https://protect-us.mimecast.com/s/u3yyCAD9WrHOMzREI86niC">client alert.</a>

oneill_julie_blog_150x150.png

oneill_julie_common_640x280.jpg

oneill_julie_heroretina_2700x1160.jpg

oneill_julie_mobileretina_750x1040.jpg

oneill_julie_social_600x600.jpg

Clients seek out Julie because of her practical advice on cutting-edge issues at the intersection of privacy and consumer protection laws. She provides clients with practical solutions to compliance c

Julie O'Neill

Clients seek out Julie because of her practical advice on cutting-edge issues at the intersection of privacy and consumer protection laws. She provides clients with practical solutions to compliance challenges around a wide variety of both online and offline privacy issues, including tracking, interest-based advertising, geo-targeting and other mobile tracking, personalization, and cross-device tracking. Recognized in The Legal 500 US 2014, 2016, 2019, and 2020 and Chambers USA 2021 for her exceptional legal work, her clients praise her saying, “She is really good at giving practical, targeted advice and taking stock of what the risk profile of the client is, so that the advice is holistic.” (Chambers USA 2021).

mofotechblog-software-600x295-code-2.jpg

We’re Sorry, Your Service (Provider) Is Limited: The IAB CCPA Compliance Framework

Court Allows Microsoft to Challenge Secrecy of User Data Requests

629285904

In a move likely welcomed by publishers seeking a solution to honoring “sale” opt-outs in the interest-based advertising space, the Interactive Advertising Bure

We’re Sorry, Your Service (Provider) Is Limited: The IAB CCPA Compliance Framework

Morrison & Foerster partner John Carlin announced a major new initiative from the Aspen Cybersecurity Group to bridge the cybersecurity skills gap. John discusses the dramatic cybersecurity skills gap faced by United States today, in both the public and private sector. This skills gap is being confronted by a number of companies committed to “strengthening and exploring new methods for cultivating, hiring, and training cybersecurity workers.” Companies should consider adopting these best practices and signing onto the initiative.  Read our <a href="https://protect-us.mimecast.com/s/ecWfCmZM8kilvNrQHBZy8f">client alert.</a>

mofotechblog-software-600x295-tunnel.jpg

Major Employers Commit to Build a Stronger Cybersecurity Workforce Pipeline

Don’t Get Caught by the Phisherman’s Hook This Tax Season

507065943

Morrison & Foerster partner John Carlin announced a major new initiative from the Aspen Cybersecurity Group to bridge the cybersecurity skills gap. John discuss

Major Employers Commit to Build a Stronger Cybersecurity Workforce Pipeline

In this episode of “Understanding Blockchain,” Morrison & Foerster’s Dario de Martino discusses how the blockchain industry is becoming ripe for a wave of mergers, acquisitions, joint-ventures and other strategic transactions.This ongoing series is dedicated to providing an overall understanding of blockchain technology and how companies can use it to share, store, and record valuable data through a secure, immutable network.Watch our video <a href="https://www.mofo.com/resources/video-audio/191022-blockchain-mergers-acquisition.html">here</a>.

mofotechblog-blockchain-600x295-cube.jpg

Understanding Blockchain - Blockchain and Mergers + Acquisitions

A Rush to Patent the Blockchain Is a Sign of the Technology’s Promise

871491470

In this episode of “Understanding Blockchain,” Morrison & Foerster’s Dario de Martino discusses how the blockchain industry is becoming ripe for a wave of merge

Understanding Blockchain - Blockchain and Mergers + Acquisitions

Financial services companies subject to the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) are treated somewhat differently under the CCPA. However, the CCPA does apply to some personal information that financial institutions handle. Kristen Mathews and Adam Fleisher, attorneys in Morrison & Foerster’s Privacy + Data Security Group, authored an article for Bloomberg Law that covers the compliance burdens that even financial institutions have under the California Consumer Privacy Act, and evaluates whether, how, and how fast, these burdens can be met. Read the <a href="https://protect-us.mimecast.com/s/MH2NCwpR2xSxPQPLCq8m-i">full article.</a>

mofotechblog-financings-600x295-bar-chart.jpg

Financial Institutions and the CCPA: What Remains After the Law's Exceptions

UK Regulations: Urgent Action Required from Loan-Based Crowdfunding Platforms

673266772

Financial services companies subject to the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) are treated somewhat differently under the CCPA. However, the CCPA does apply to some 

Financial Institutions and the CCPA: What Remains After the Law's Exceptions

With all eyes on amendments to the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 (CCPA) as the state’s 2019 legislative session drew to a close, the enactment of two additional privacy bills on October 11, 2019 — the same day Governor Gavin Newsom signed five CCPA amendment bills into law — went largely overlooked. However, companies doing business in California should take note of the additional requirements that these laws will impose when they take effect on January 1, 2020. These include expanding the categories of personal information (PI) that trigger California’s breach notification obligations following certain data security incidents, and requiring so-called “data brokers” to register annually with the California Attorney General (AG). Read our <a href="https://protect-us.mimecast.com/s/AMeeCBBROviKR7BrU6k4LT">client alert.</a>

race_mary_blog_150x150.png

race_mary_common_640x280.jpg

race_mary_heroretina_2700x1160.jpg

race_mary_mobileretina_750x1040.jpg

race_mary_social_600x600.jpg

Of Counsel

Mary Race assists clients with a wide range of challenging privacy compliance and data security matters. Her practice focuses on managing privacy risks and helping clients develop and implement comprehensive privacy programs across a variety of industries, including tech, retail, manufacturing, advertising, social media, and communications.

Mary Race

mofotechblog-litigation-600x295-scales.jpg

In Case You Missed It: California Governor Signs Additional Privacy Bills Into Law

California Supreme Court Clarifies Standards for Whistleblower Claims Under California Labor Code Section 1102.5

638601140

With all eyes on amendments to the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 (CCPA) as the state’s 2019 legislative session drew to a close, the enactment of two 

In Case You Missed It: California Governor Signs Additional Privacy Bills Into Law

One of the most recent chapters in the ongoing cookies saga has come in the form of a recent ruling by the Court of Justice of the European Union in the Planet49 case. The outcome of the case – while pivotal – does not come as a surprise considering the many developments in Europe regarding cookies and similar technologies over the last year. In this alert, we explain the outcome of the case, look at the recent regulatory guidance in various EU Member States, see what lessons have been learned, and lay out our expectations for the upcoming ePrivacy Regulation. Read our <a href="https://protect-us.mimecast.com/s/W5p4CQW5jXiPN71osPrUle">client alert.</a>

samavi_mercedes_blog_150x150.png

samavi_mercedes_common_640x280.jpg

samavi_mercedes_heroretina_2700x1160.jpg

samavi_mercedes_mobileretina_750x1040.jpg

samavi_mercedes_social_600x600.jpg

Mercedes Samavi is an associate based in the London office of Morrison & Foerster and a member of both the Technology Transactions Group and the Global Privacy Group.
Mercedes advises domestic and int

Mercedes Samavi

poler-de-zwart-alja-blogheadshot.jpg

poler-de-zwart_alja_common_640x280.jpg

poler-de-zwart_alja_heroretina_2700x1160.jpg

poler-de-zwart_alja_mobileretina_750x1040.jpg

poler-de-zwart_alja_social_600x600.jpg

Clients seek Alja for her no-nonsense approach to resolving complex local legal issues efficiently while providing strong representation for their most important privacy, whistleblowing, and investigatory matters. Alja is the go-to counsel for EU whistleblowing laws and leads strategy for the firms’ advisory efforts for compliance with whistleblowing rules and procedures globally. 

Alja Poler De Zwart

Cookies: A Coming-of-Age Story

One of the most recent chapters in the ongoing cookies saga has come in the form of a recent ruling by the Court of Justice of the European Union in the Planet4

Cookies: A Coming-of-Age Story

Last week the IRS issued a revenue ruling, FAQs, and a revision to draft Schedule 1 to Form 1040 regarding various aspects of virtual currency transactions.  The guidance is in line with the Treasury 2019-2020 Priority Guidance Plan that also came out last week and listed as items general guidance on virtual currency and guidance specifically reporting on virtual currency transactions pursuant to Internal Revenue Code section 6045.    Read our <a href="https://protect-us.mimecast.com/s/LMBFC31KE3sKJ427FqZfTJ">client alert.</a>

carbone_anthony_blog_150x150.png

carbone_anthony_common_640x280.jpg

carbone_anthony_heroretina_2700x1160.jpg

carbone_anthony_mobileretina_750x1040.jpg

carbone_anthony_social_600x600.jpg

Chair of the Tax Practice

Anthony J. Carbone is a partner in our New York office and chair of the Tax practice.

Anthony J. Carbone

Anthony J. Carbone is a partner in our New York office and co-chair of the Tax practice. He also serves as co-chair of the Federal Tax practice. His practice focuses on tax planning strategies and the tax consequences of a wide range of business, investment and capital markets transactions in the U.S. and internationally.

Anthony Carbone

mofotechblog-financings-600x295-dollar.jpg

IRS Issues New Guidance and Proposed Form 1040 Question Regarding Virtual Currency

The Most Common Intellectual Property Mistakes of Startups

mofotechblog-financings-600x295-dollar

Last week the IRS issued a revenue ruling, FAQs, and a revision to draft Schedule 1 to Form 1040 regarding various aspects of virtual currency transactions.  Th

IRS Issues New Guidance and Proposed Form 1040 Question Regarding Virtual Currency

FIRRMA directed the U.S. Department of the Treasury (“Treasury”), as the chair of CFIUS, to issue regulations that, among other things, address national security concerns arising from foreign investment in U.S. businesses with critical technologies, critical infrastructure, and personal data (referred to in the proposed regulations as “TID U.S. businesses”). The proposed CFIUS regulations implement these provisions of FIRRMA by (i) defining what constitutes a TID U.S. business and (ii) expanding CFIUS’s jurisdiction to include not only transactions that result in control of a TID U.S. business, but also “covered investments” that give a foreign person certain rights with respect to a TID U.S. business (together referred to as “covered transactions”).

capito_charles_blog_150x150.png

capito_charles_common_640x280.jpg

capito_charles_heroretina_2700x1160.jpg

capito_charles_mobileretina_750x1040.jpg

capito_charles_social_600x600.jpg

Charles Capito is a partner in both Morrison Foerster’s National Security and Government Contracts + Public Procurement practices.
In the National Security space, he has significant experience couns

Charles L. Capito

Charles Capito

benkert_joseph_blog_150x150.png

benkert_joseph_common_640x280.jpg

benkert_joseph_heroretina_2700x1160.jpg

benkert_joseph_mobileretina_750x1040.jpg

benkert_joseph_social_600x600.jpg

Senior Advisor, National Security

Joseph Benkert is a senior advisor  in Morrison & Foerster’s National Security practice group. He advises  clients on critical national security matters pertaining to the Committee on  Foreign Investm

Joseph Benkert

Joseph A. Benkert

mofotechblog-financings-600x295-chart.jpg

Foreign Investment 2020: CFIUS Spotlight on “TID” U.S. Businesses

FIRRMA directed the U.S. Department of the Treasury (“Treasury”), as the chair of CFIUS, to issue regulations that, among other things, address national securit

Foreign Investment 2020: CFIUS Spotlight on “TID” U.S. Businesses

With just over two months until the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 (“CCPA”) becomes operative, California Attorney General (“AG”) Xavier Becerra has issued draft regulations to guide covered businesses’ implementation of the groundbreaking privacy law. The proposed regulations address several CCPA provisions that explicitly call for the AG's input, as well as others that have been the subject of confusion, criticism, or discussion. Read our <a href="https://protect-us.mimecast.com/s/s37kC0RXEMiw3DG8UDK9yN">client alert.</a>

mofotechblog-regulatory-600x295-gavel.jpg

California AG Issues Long-Awaited CCPA Implementation Regulations

811079234

With just over two months until the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 (“CCPA”) becomes operative, California Attorney General (“AG”) Xavier Becerra has is

California AG Issues Long-Awaited CCPA Implementation Regulations

A groundbreaking agreement between the United States and the United Kingdom will give rise to a streamlined process for UK law enforcement to request data from U.S. companies, using UK legal process. DOJ views it as an important advance in cooperation between two longstanding allies in combating terrorism and other serious crimes – but U.S. companies should be prepared for questions and confusion from customers about what the agreement means for the privacy of information and the future of cross-border law enforcement requests. Read our <a href="https://protect-us.mimecast.com/s/EYjvCYElrZF27G7qF975xD">client alert.</a>