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
Representative Clients
Practice Areas
Client Reviews
"As a startup founder building something new from the ground up, I knew I needed serious legal protection. Gene conducted an extraordinarily thorough review of all my project documentation, going well beyond a surface-level check. He reviewed my Privacy Policy, Terms of Service, HIPAA & Health Information Disclosure, Support Center, and in-app consent language and disclosures. He identified gaps I hadn't considered, explained the legal implications in plain language, and walked me through exactly what was needed to protect my work. Nothing was glossed over. What stood out most was Gene's ability to anticipate risk. He proactively flagged areas of exposure I hadn't thought to ask about, giving me a level of confidence I couldn't have received anywhere else. For any founder or entrepreneur trying to protect their work, I cannot recommend Gene Rhough highly enough."
"Of the proposals received, Gene’s was the most thorough; it indicated he examined the documents submitted, understood the request and would be the best person to perform the work. He replied quickly, communicated clearly and gave ample time to discuss issues and answer questions. Was very impressed with the product he provided and will absolutely use him moving forward."
"Gene is fantastic; I am very excited to work with his level of expertise."
"Gene was communicative, thoughtful, knowledgeable, and easy to work with. I appreciated his timely response and quick engagement to help me with legal guidance and provide his expertise."
"The antidote to "Big Law" inefficiency. Gene is fast, sharp, and practical. He rescued our project after a stalled attempt with another firm and got us 'launch-ready' in days, not weeks. He over-delivered by including commercial fleet documents alongside our consumer contracts, all while staying perfectly within our budget. If you need to move fast and protect your downside, Gene is the guy!"
"I asked Gene to do a second pass at a Privacy Policy he drafted for me for my app, based on updated guidance for developers from the App store and Google Play, and he graciously agreed. I appreciate his thoughtfulness and attention to detail, always. I plan to continue to hire him in the future as the needs for my startup continue to evolve."
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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