JASON WACHA
"Jason in a nutshell"
Jason Wacha has been named as a Northern California Super Lawyer®, his work has been cited as authority in multiple U.S. Federal court cases, and he has been sought out as a consultant by the U.S. Department of Justice. He has been recognized by the San Francisco Daily Journal as “one of the country’s preeminent experts” in the field of open source software licensing and was cited on infoworld.com as “one of the smartest open source attorneys on the planet.” He has spoken at or chaired more than 70 conferences and events in the U.S. and internationally, lectures at law schools on both technology licensing and international business transactions, and is a widely published author, in particular as relates to open source software licensing and the GNU General Public License (the “GPL”). He has helped to buy and sell companies in multiple industries and has become to his clients as much of a business advisor as legal counsel.
...but here's the most important thing: I "get" what you're trying to do
Jason has deep experience in the corporate, securities and technology licensing fields. He served as a senior associate and helped to run a corporate and securities practice group at one of the country’s most respected high tech law firms (Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati). He has also served as the associate general counsel of a publicly traded hardware (semiconductor) company and as the general counsel and member of the executive staff at two Silicon Valley software companies (including at the world’s leading embedded Linux® software company). As a result, Jason brings to each deal not just an in-depth understanding of the legal issues, but an experienced-based appreciation for the need to drive revenue within the constraints of a client’s business model. (In other words, he understands that the "perfect, form book" legal agreement -- that either never gets signed or fails to make it into your quarter, or ticks off your customer -- is not what you want; you want revenue within the risk constraints you've determined to live with for your company.)
Jason has been senior counsel on hundreds of transactions in the corporate/securities and technology licensing areas, has been a key advisor to many start-ups, has led numerous companies through IPOs and follow-on public offerings, and has continued as counsel to publicly traded companies. Jason has also served as senior counsel in multiple mergers and acquisitions, spanning the range from small start-ups to publicly held corporations. He has helped to raise hundreds of millions of dollars for both private and public companies. As general counsel, Jason additionally has supervised his companies’ worldwide legal and corporate policies and practices, and developed and implemented worldwide intellectual property strategies. Jason’s clients have included companies in all of the following industries: software and hardware; semiconductors, biotechnology and medical devices; consumer products; e-commerce; technology services; financial services; industrial products; publishing; and medical and behavioral health services.
Educational background
Jason has degrees in both economics and English from Stanford University, and a doctorate in law from the University of California (Davis), where he was an editor of the U.C. Davis Law Review.
Community Involvement / Personal "stuff"
Jason is a former stand-up comic, and in 2007 was a winner of the Reader’s Digest Funniest Reader competition. In a slightly less-humorous capacity, he was Foreman of the 2016-2017 San Mateo County Grand Jury and the Deputy Foreman of the 2013-2014 San Mateo County Grand Jury, has served as the co-President and as the Treasurer of the Heather School Parent-Teacher Association, has been a Vice President and Board Member of the San Carlos Education Foundation, served on the Site Council of his children's schools, volunteers as a judge for ROPES (Right of Passage Experiences) for elementary and middle school students, and has served as an elementary school tutor and member of the San Carlos School District LCAP Advisory Committee. Jason coaches hurdlers and jumpers for the Carlmont High School track and field team, and has coached little league baseball and middle school basketball and volleyball. He is a Level 3 nationally certified archery coach (USA Archery and the National Field Archery Association), teaches cub scouts and boy scouts how to shoot archery, and leads 4H archery projects. Jason is also a member of the Ethics Committee of USA Archery. He is certified by both the Positive Coaching Alliance and Safe Sport.
"Jason in a nutshell"
Jason Wacha has been named as a Northern California Super Lawyer®, his work has been cited as authority in multiple U.S. Federal court cases, and he has been sought out as a consultant by the U.S. Department of Justice. He has been recognized by the San Francisco Daily Journal as “one of the country’s preeminent experts” in the field of open source software licensing and was cited on infoworld.com as “one of the smartest open source attorneys on the planet.” He has spoken at or chaired more than 70 conferences and events in the U.S. and internationally, lectures at law schools on both technology licensing and international business transactions, and is a widely published author, in particular as relates to open source software licensing and the GNU General Public License (the “GPL”). He has helped to buy and sell companies in multiple industries and has become to his clients as much of a business advisor as legal counsel.
...but here's the most important thing: I "get" what you're trying to do
Jason has deep experience in the corporate, securities and technology licensing fields. He served as a senior associate and helped to run a corporate and securities practice group at one of the country’s most respected high tech law firms (Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati). He has also served as the associate general counsel of a publicly traded hardware (semiconductor) company and as the general counsel and member of the executive staff at two Silicon Valley software companies (including at the world’s leading embedded Linux® software company). As a result, Jason brings to each deal not just an in-depth understanding of the legal issues, but an experienced-based appreciation for the need to drive revenue within the constraints of a client’s business model. (In other words, he understands that the "perfect, form book" legal agreement -- that either never gets signed or fails to make it into your quarter, or ticks off your customer -- is not what you want; you want revenue within the risk constraints you've determined to live with for your company.)
Jason has been senior counsel on hundreds of transactions in the corporate/securities and technology licensing areas, has been a key advisor to many start-ups, has led numerous companies through IPOs and follow-on public offerings, and has continued as counsel to publicly traded companies. Jason has also served as senior counsel in multiple mergers and acquisitions, spanning the range from small start-ups to publicly held corporations. He has helped to raise hundreds of millions of dollars for both private and public companies. As general counsel, Jason additionally has supervised his companies’ worldwide legal and corporate policies and practices, and developed and implemented worldwide intellectual property strategies. Jason’s clients have included companies in all of the following industries: software and hardware; semiconductors, biotechnology and medical devices; consumer products; e-commerce; technology services; financial services; industrial products; publishing; and medical and behavioral health services.
Educational background
Jason has degrees in both economics and English from Stanford University, and a doctorate in law from the University of California (Davis), where he was an editor of the U.C. Davis Law Review.
Community Involvement / Personal "stuff"
Jason is a former stand-up comic, and in 2007 was a winner of the Reader’s Digest Funniest Reader competition. In a slightly less-humorous capacity, he was Foreman of the 2016-2017 San Mateo County Grand Jury and the Deputy Foreman of the 2013-2014 San Mateo County Grand Jury, has served as the co-President and as the Treasurer of the Heather School Parent-Teacher Association, has been a Vice President and Board Member of the San Carlos Education Foundation, served on the Site Council of his children's schools, volunteers as a judge for ROPES (Right of Passage Experiences) for elementary and middle school students, and has served as an elementary school tutor and member of the San Carlos School District LCAP Advisory Committee. Jason coaches hurdlers and jumpers for the Carlmont High School track and field team, and has coached little league baseball and middle school basketball and volleyball. He is a Level 3 nationally certified archery coach (USA Archery and the National Field Archery Association), teaches cub scouts and boy scouts how to shoot archery, and leads 4H archery projects. Jason is also a member of the Ethics Committee of USA Archery. He is certified by both the Positive Coaching Alliance and Safe Sport.
VAHE SARRAFIAN
Vahe understands that one of the biggest risk factors in any contract or transaction is the relationship of the parties. He believes that the best counsel understands their client’s business, the issues most important to that client as well as to the opposing party, and how to best protect and address those concerns. “Until you understand what drives each side and can creatively address those concerns, you can’t provide a win-win outcome which is essential to building a strong relationship. This is essential to minimizing risk and driving revenue.”
Vahe has over 30 years of experience in counseling both private and publicly held companies. His practice has focused on IP licensing, SAAS, securities, mergers and acquisitions, and general corporate representation of companies in a wide range of industries and sectors. This experience has led him to understand that the legal role needs to align with the client’s goal of driving revenue while managing risk.
He has previously been associated with Morrison & Foerster, Brobeck, Phleger & Harrison and Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati. He has also served as senior legal counsel for both small and large companies. He has previously been General Counsel of HeyAnita, Inc. and served as Assistant General Counsel to semi-conductor companies, Cavium, Inc. and Marvell Semiconductor, Inc.
Educational Background
Vahe holds a Juris Doctor degree from the University of California, Davis and received his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of California, Riverside.
Personal “stuff”
Vahe is an avid traveler and Paris holds his heart. He is also passionate about art – ranging across most eras and types of art although he would argue that Warhol may not be truly art. He counts himself a foodie and can be just as happy in a hole-in-the-wall restaurant as he is in a three-star Michelin one. He speaks Armenian and some very embarrassing French.
Vahe understands that one of the biggest risk factors in any contract or transaction is the relationship of the parties. He believes that the best counsel understands their client’s business, the issues most important to that client as well as to the opposing party, and how to best protect and address those concerns. “Until you understand what drives each side and can creatively address those concerns, you can’t provide a win-win outcome which is essential to building a strong relationship. This is essential to minimizing risk and driving revenue.”
Vahe has over 30 years of experience in counseling both private and publicly held companies. His practice has focused on IP licensing, SAAS, securities, mergers and acquisitions, and general corporate representation of companies in a wide range of industries and sectors. This experience has led him to understand that the legal role needs to align with the client’s goal of driving revenue while managing risk.
He has previously been associated with Morrison & Foerster, Brobeck, Phleger & Harrison and Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati. He has also served as senior legal counsel for both small and large companies. He has previously been General Counsel of HeyAnita, Inc. and served as Assistant General Counsel to semi-conductor companies, Cavium, Inc. and Marvell Semiconductor, Inc.
Educational Background
Vahe holds a Juris Doctor degree from the University of California, Davis and received his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of California, Riverside.
Personal “stuff”
Vahe is an avid traveler and Paris holds his heart. He is also passionate about art – ranging across most eras and types of art although he would argue that Warhol may not be truly art. He counts himself a foodie and can be just as happy in a hole-in-the-wall restaurant as he is in a three-star Michelin one. He speaks Armenian and some very embarrassing French.