Who Owns the Code? Locking Down IP Ownership and Licensing for Tech-Driven Clients

Matthew Sumner, Partner | Neal & Leroy, LLC

Matthew Sumner is a Partner at Neal & Leroy, LLC, where he counsels clients on technology transactions, commercial and corporate matters, intellectual property, and partnership agreements. He regularly serves as outside general counsel to emerging and middle-market companies, advising on the legal and business issues that arise throughout the lifecycle of technology-driven businesses. His practice focuses on helping clients structure and negotiate complex transactions involving artificial intelligence, blockchain technology, digital assets, Web3, and other emerging technologies.

• Education & Credentials

Mr. Sumner earned his Juris Doctor from New York University School of Law and his Bachelor of Arts from Lehigh University. He is admitted to practice law in New York and Pennsylvania.

• Recognition & Leadership

As a Partner at Neal & Leroy, Mr. Sumner advises clients on sophisticated technology and commercial transactions across rapidly evolving industries. His practice emphasizes practical, business-oriented legal solutions for companies operating in emerging technology sectors.

• Professional Involvement

Mr. Sumner regularly advises businesses on the legal and operational challenges associated with emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, blockchain, digital assets, and Web3. His work involves collaborating closely with business leaders on strategic commercial and technology matters.

• Experience

Before joining Neal & Leroy, Mr. Sumner served as in-house counsel for multiple startups, giving him firsthand insight into the practical and operational challenges faced by growing businesses. He also practiced as a senior associate at an Am Law 5 firm, where he handled complex commercial and transactional matters for clients across a variety of industries. Today, he combines that in-house and large-firm experience to advise clients on technology transactions, intellectual property, corporate matters, and commercial agreements involving cutting-edge technologies.

MacKinzie Neal, Senior Associate | Neal & Leroy, LLC

MacKinzie Neal is an attorney at Neal & Leroy, LLC whose practice focuses on intellectual property, technology transactions, privacy, cybersecurity, and commercial agreements. She advises clients on protecting and commercializing intellectual property while navigating the legal issues surrounding emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, blockchain technology, and digital assets.

• Education & Credentials

Ms. Neal earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School and her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Pennsylvania. She is admitted to practice law in New York.

• Recognition & Leadership

Ms. Neal advises clients on sophisticated technology, intellectual property, and commercial matters involving rapidly evolving industries. Her practice combines legal and technical knowledge to help clients address issues involving artificial intelligence, blockchain technology, digital assets, privacy, and cybersecurity.

• Professional Involvement

Ms. Neal works with clients on technology transactions, intellectual property ownership, privacy, cybersecurity, and commercial contracting involving emerging technologies. She collaborates with businesses developing innovative technologies and helps translate complex legal and technical concepts into practical business guidance.

• Experience

Prior to joining Neal & Leroy, Ms. Neal practiced as a senior associate at an Am Law 5 firm, where she worked closely with product development, engineering, intellectual property, and corporate teams. That experience provides her with a strong understanding of the intersection between technology development and commercial legal practice. She now advises clients on technology transactions, commercial agreements, intellectual property, privacy, cybersecurity, and corporate matters, with a particular focus on artificial intelligence, blockchain technology, and digital assets.

SESSION 1 – Who Owns What? Allocating IP Rights Before Technology Hits the Market | 12:00pm – 1:00pm

This session explores how attorneys can help technology-driven clients establish clear ownership rights before software, AI tools, and other digital assets are developed or commercialized. Attendees will learn how to structure IP assignment provisions, address employee and contractor-created technology, manage open-source and third-party code risks, and navigate emerging AI-related ownership questions. The session provides practical guidance for drafting agreements that prevent ownership disputes before they arise.

BREAK | 1:00pm – 1:10pm

SESSION 2 – Licensing, SaaS, and Commercial Deals: Protecting IP as Technology Changes Hands | 1:10pm – 2:10pm

This session examines how IP rights are allocated and protected once technology enters the marketplace through licenses, SaaS agreements, vendor relationships, and strategic partnerships. Attendees will learn how to distinguish background IP from newly developed technology, negotiate ownership and usage rights, address AI and data-related provisions, and structure commercial agreements that preserve client control over valuable technology assets.