Gary Kissiah
Attorney at Law
Texas
TX
About
experience
Representative Clients
Practice Areas
Client Reviews
"Gary is that rare attorney who deeply understands both corporate and technology law and business strategy. I was fortunate to have worked closely with Gary during our tenure at Plantronics, where we were part of the leadership team that guided the company through the most significant transformation in its history. We created new software platforms and products, and structured strategic alliances that generated over $500M in new revenues for the company. Gary’s ability to negotiate complex transactions, develop new licensing models for software, and support the engineering teams, the supply chain and the strategy group were instrumental to our success. Gary’s experience at Microsoft reveals his passion and understanding of technology. His expert legal guidance of our business teams (domestically and internationally) across a wide range of issues, his calm demeanor and strong work ethic were key to our success."
"Gary and I worked together for over 5 years at Microsoft. I ran business development for Microsoft Television for the Americas and there was never an issue too complicated that he could not tackle. He handled complex software license and content agreements, strategic alliances, and investments with major companies located in my region. He functioned essentially as the general counsel for the division and took care of a large variety of legal matters and was a strategic advisor to the business. He is a fantastic attorney. He is fast, nimble and competent, and an excellent and tireless negotiator. In fact, he was more than just an attorney; he was a partner. I would highly recommend him."
Work History
Kissiah Law Firm
Partner/Owner
Feb 2011 - Present
Owner of solo practitioner firm that represents many small businesses in the areas of business entity formation, mergers and acquisitions, strategic alliances, content license agreements, technology agreements, independent contractors and employees, privacy, social media, terms of use and Internet agreements, and general business agreements.
Plantonics
Associate General Counsel
Jan 2007 - Feb 2011
Represents the sales team for distribution agreements with wireless carriers, international distributors, enterprise, resellers and corporate partners. Represents the business development group in strategic alliances. Represents the engineering group in technology licensing agreements. Represents the supply chain group in manufacturing agreements. Preparation of SEC periodical reports.
Microsoft
Senior Counsel
Jan 2000 - Nov 2006
Supported Consumer Division Business (MSTV, MSN and Digital Home Devices). Led company-wide complex transactions. Negotiated software license agreements, product development agreements, investment agreements, strategic alliance agreements, manufacturing and content agreements. Supported sales and business development teams. Provided general counsel level support to senior Microsoft executives.
Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld
Partner/Co-Chair Technology Practice Group
Feb 1997 - Jun 2000
Technology practice involved the representation of technology companies in angel and venture capital financings, securities offerings, mergers and acquisitions, strategic partnerships and alliances, licensing and intellectual property matters. Clients were involved in electronic software development, e-commerce, Website design, marketing, and hardware manufacturing.