JENNIFER COPLAN is global co-leader of Sidley’s Technology and IP Transactions practice. Her practice focuses on transactions involving the development, acquisition, licensing, use and exploitation of intellectual property and technology. She has deep experience in a wide array of industries, including software, cloud services, hardware, outsourcing, Internet and e-commerce, artificial intelligence, data analytics, financial services, insurance, healthcare, university R&D, consumer electronics and digital media.
A software engineer prior to attending Yale Law School, Jennifer advises clients on a broad range of technology transactions, including technology development and licensing, outsourcing and technology services, university licensing, open source software counseling, and intellectual property acquisitions and divestitures. She also regularly advises clients on joint ventures, strategic alliances and collaborations as well as on the intellectual property aspects of private equity, M&A and other corporate and commercial transactions.
For many years, Jennifer has also advised clients on digital media-related matters involving the distribution of digital entertainment content and has played a leading role in several standards organizations and consortia involving digital rights management and content protection technologies.
Jennifer is ranked by Chambers USA (Technology and Outsourcing, New York 2019–2021) and is recognized in The Best Lawyers in America (2008–2021) for Technology Law. She is also named an “Outstanding IP Transactions Practitioner” in Managing Intellectual Property – IP Handbook (2014–2020). She was recognized by Who’s Who Legal for TMT/Information Technology (2017) and recommended as a leading lawyer for Technology Transactions in The Legal 500 (2015–2017). Jennifer is also recognized in IAM Patent 1000 for Patent Transactions, which describes her as a “noted authority on digital media and innovation.” Managing IP shortlisted Jennifer Coplan for the “United States – Outstanding IP Transactions Practitioner” award at the Managing IP Americas Awards in 2020.
The 2021 edition of The Best Lawyers in America awarded Jennifer the “Lawyer of the Year” distinction for Technology Law, which is presented to a single outstanding lawyer in the New York metropolitan region. Jennifer was also named a 2021 Northeast Trailblazer by The American Lawyer, a recognition of individuals in various practice areas who have “moved the needle in the legal industry.”