Barath Chari has joined Cooley’s San Francisco office as a partner in the technology transactions practice, bringing extensive experience advising technology companies on complex commercial and intellectual property transactions, particularly in AI and other emerging technologies. He joins Cooley from Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati.
Chari is an experienced commercial lawyer who counsels companies through all sizes and stages of growth on sophisticated IP-driven transactions. He also advises clients on the technology and IP aspects of M&A, financings and capital markets transactions. His practice spans AI and machine learning, software and software as a service (SaaS), semiconductors, robotics, mobility, cleantech, digital health and infrastructure.
“Barath is well known to us as an outstanding technology transactions lawyer whose practice fits perfectly with Cooley,” said TJ Graham, Cooley partner and chair of the firm’s technology transactions group. “He combines deep technical fluency with a practical, commercial approach to advising clients on their most important transactions. He’s an important piece who is surely going to help lead the next chapter of our team’s growth in San Francisco and beyond. His experience in AI and other rapidly evolving technologies will be a particularly valuable addition to our existing team of deeply talented technology transactions professionals, given the fast-moving and competitive nature of our clients’ businesses.”
Drawing on his background as a software engineer, Chari counsels clients on highly technical matters, including open-source software, and advises technology companies on sales to federal government customers and collaborations with government research institutions, bringing added depth as technology companies increasingly engage with the public sector.
“Cooley has built an exceptional platform for technology companies, and I have long admired both the firm and its lawyers,” said Chari. “The opportunity to join a deeply collaborative technology transactions team and work alongside lawyers across the firm who are advising some of the world’s most innovative companies was incredibly compelling. I’m excited to contribute to the continued growth of the practice in San Francisco and globally.”
Cooley’s technology transactions practice is recognized as one of the largest dedicated technology transactions groups of any law firm and includes more than 40 lawyers who counsel companies ranging from emerging startups to global market leaders on strategic technology, commercial and IP matters.
