Standards & Open Source

In the process, GU has acquired a great depth of knowledge in how to structure, operate, evolve and dissolve successful consortia in an effective fashion. Although typically we work with the founders of a consortium from the earliest stage, GU is also frequently engaged to succeed earlier counsel. We also advise major technology companies on implementing a standards strategy. Andrew Updegrove, who leads the consortium and standard-setting practice group, is nationally recognized for his leadership in the development of consortium and foundation governance structures, best practices, and intellectual property rights policies.

Areas where special expertise is necessary in representing consortia include non-profit representation issues, trademark law (including with respect to certification testing), intellectual property ownership and transfer, domestic and international antitrust, and governance issues.

Besides pure legal skills, GU brings a wide knowledge of practical, business and industry realities to its representation of consortium and foundation clients and provides business consulting as well as legal services to help our clients create and operate successful organizations. Consistent with its role as the most active law firm in the standards and consortium area, the firm supports www.consortiuminfo.org, a site created by Andrew Updegrove to provide the most comprehensive source of information on the internet on topics affecting standard setting and promotional consortia, including:

Forming and maintaining consortia Adopting and implementing intellectual property rights policies Maximizing the value of consortium participation Certification testing and branding Compliance with antitrust, export control and non-profit laws

ConsortiumInfo.org serves a global audience of corporate, government and academic users.