Attorney Robert V. Petershack
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Contact Information:
Phone: 608.283.6718
Email: rvpetershack@axley.com

Legal Assistant: Theresa M. Doty
Phone: 608.283.6791
Email: tdoty@axley.com

Rob Petershack is a partner focusing his practice on intellectual property law with an emphasis on the protection, use (licensing) and transfer of high technology as well as trademark and copyright counseling. He also focuses on providing alternative dispute resolution (ADR) services. Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Petershack was a partner in the Madison office of a large, midwestern law firm and served as general counsel for Epic Systems Corporation, a leading developer of software for the healthcare industry. He is certified in commercial arbitration and has received training in mediation.

Significant Representations:
  • Software licenses (from "shrink-wrap" licenses to licenses for large enterprise-wide software implementation - e.g., Siebel, PeopleSoft and the like)
  • Technology consulting service agreements
  • Material transfer agreements (MTAs)
  • Process development agreements
  • Distribution agreements
  • Clinical research agreements
  • Finder's fee agreements
  • Software development agreements (both "one time" and "master" agreements)
  • Web site development agreements
  • Technology testing (i.e., "beta testing") and use agreements
  • Co-branding agreements (for Web sites)
  • Web site terms and conditions and privacy policies
  • Teaming agreements (for technology businesses working together in response to an RFP)
  • Finders agreements (for locating potential customers and business partners for technology companies)
  • Supply agreements
  • Sales representative agreements (with a technology spin)
  • Value added reseller (VAR) agreements; agreements related to an indefeasible right to use (IRU) leased network capacity over optical data networks Remote network management agreements
  • Systems integration agreements
  • Outsourcing agreements (e.g., having a third party operate your IT department)
  • Software as a Service (SaaS) and application service provider (ASP) agreements
  • Software support/maintenance agreements
  • Disaster recovery agreements
  • Source code escrow agreements
  • Co-location agreements
  • Technology assignments
  • Due diligence where technology is an important issue
  • Patent licenses
  • "Work made for hire" agreements for technology consultants
  • Master data center agreements
  • Hardware purchase agreements

Professional Associations and Achievements:
  • Member, Alternative Business Dispute Resolution Section, Business Law Section, Intellectual Property Law Section, State Bar of Wisconsin
  • Member, American and Wisconsin Intellectual Property Law Associations
  • Member, American Arbitration Association (AAA) National Panel of Neutrals (Commercial Law)
  • Member, American Bar Association
  • Member, Licensing Executives Society, Inc.
  • Past member, vice-chair and chair of Communications Committee, acts as Editorial Board of Wisconsin Lawyer magazine and runs the State Bar Web site
  • BV Rated by Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings

Selected Presentations and Publications:
  • Guest lecturer, “Software License Agreements - Licensor and Licensee Perspectives.” University of Wisconsin Law School. April 7, 2008.
  • Author, "Who Owns Software Developed for Your Company?" Wisconsin Technology Network (WTN) News. Aug. 31 2005.
  • Author, "Consider the Legal Issues Before Outsourcing Offshore." WTN News. July 18, 2005.
  • Author, "Why File for Trademark Protection?" WTN News. July 7, 2005.
  • Presenter, "Customer Issues in Information Technology Contracts." Digital Healthcare Conference. June 9, 2005.
  • Author, "Arbitration Can Help When IT Deals Go Sour." WTN News. May 11, 2005.
  • Author, "Internet War Goes International." WTN News. Feb. 21, 2005
  • Author, "Google Wins First Battle in Trademark War." WTN News. Dec. 20, 2004.
  • Speaker, "E-Commerce Law in Wisconsin: Business and Legal Issues." National Business Institute. 2002.
  • Speaker, "Understanding Intellectual Property: Trademark Protection." University of Wisconsin College of Engineering. 1999.
  • Speaker, "Copyright Basics." University of Wisconsin Extension Dept of Continuing Education. 1994-98.
  • Speaker, "Covering Your IP Assets." Brandworks University. 1997.
  • Speaker, "Legal Protection for Your Brand's Future." Brandworks University. 1996.

Education:
J.D., Order of the Coif, University of Wisconsin Law School, 1994
B.A., magna cum laude, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, 1976

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Practice Areas:
Business Practice Group, Intellectual Property & Technology Team, Business Mediation & Arbitration, Commercial Litigation, Contract Negotiation & Drafting, Health Care
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