Gene Rhough
Startups · Contracts · Corporate · M&A · IP & SaaS
California
CA, DC, Patent Bar, Privacy Certification
"Honest and thorough feedback based on detailed research. Much appreciated!"
About
I focus on LLC and corporation formations and operating/shareholder agreements, business sales, founder and partner arrangements (including buyouts and separations), commercial contracts (NDAs, MSAs, privacy policies), and IP/SaaS ownership and licensing tied to those deals.
Clients describe me as “the antidote to Big Law inefficiency,” “a legal sniper,” and say I’ve “potentially saved hundreds of thousands” by catching gaps… read more other lawyers missed.
I do all my own work, explain options in plain English, and give clear scope and hour ranges before I start. Harvard Law (cum laude), MIT, former Wilson Sonsini attorney, and GC/VP Legal for media and tech companies and venture‑backed startups, with a 5.0 rating and repeat clients on this platform.
clients
upcounsel
experience
Practice Areas
Client Reviews
"Gene was responsive, practical, and extremely helpful on a time-sensitive startup/IP matter. He quickly understood the business context, identified the key risks, and gave clear, actionable guidance instead of overcomplicating things. I appreciated the combination of legal precision and business practicality. Would recommend him for founders navigating early-stage IP, structure, and ownership questions."
"Gene's proposal was the most thorough and custom to my exact needs rather than a general response that I got plenty of. After our initial call, it was clear Gene was the right attorney for my company's needs. The deliverables were on time, well thought out and applicable to my current and future needs. HIGHLY recommend."
"Honest and thorough feedback based on detailed research. Much appreciated!"
"Very knowledgeable about DSAR. Also, quick with responses."
"Gene has been wonderful to work with, he is very thorough and thoughtful in the work that he provides. He also offered tons of insightful perspectives that I had not considered, and provided more value than just the scope of the project. I look forward to working with him more in the future!"
"I very much enjoy working with Gene and have absolute confidence in his representation. I feel secure knowing he is at my side while navigating complex legal matters."
Work History
Legal Laboratories
Attorney
Mar 2016 - Present
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Sony
VP, Global Digital Business, Business & Legal Affairs
Apr 2014 - Mar 2016
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News Corp.
GC & SVP Business Development
Mar 2010 - Mar 2014
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Time Warner / Viacom
VP, Global Digital & New Media
Jan 2008 - Feb 2010
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