Overview

Martin was instrumental in navigating the complexities of our recent M&A transaction, ensuring our IP assets were protected and our business objectives achieved. His practical approach to complex IP and privacy matters was critical to our successful closing. - General Counsel of a Client

Martin Schwertmann is a partner in Kirkland’s Technology & IP Transactions Practice Group based in the Bay Area. Martin focuses his practice on structuring, drafting and negotiating complex business transactions, with a particular emphasis on carve-outs and transactions where software and technology assets are central to the transaction’s value proposition.

Martin brings a trilingual approach to his practice, combining deep legal acumen with technical understanding and business pragmatism. This skillset allows him to effectively bridge the gap between technical requirements, business objectives and legal considerations in a wide variety of matters in which technology plays a key role. In addition to counseling clients on IP and technology issues that arise in M&A transactions, Martin works on joint ventures and strategic alliances (including reseller and sales agent arrangements), debt financing matters, liability management transactions, bankruptcies and restructurings, the creation of various policies on the sponsor- and portfolio company-level (including privacy, open source software and AI use policies), licensing matters and other commercial arrangements.

Martin has been recognized by Best Lawyers in the Technology Law practice area since 2023.

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Thought Leadership

Speaking Engagements

Moderator, Technology and Generative AI Panel, Mergermarket Private Equity Forum, Austin, TX, October 2024

Recognition

Recognized as “One to Watch” by Best Lawyers for Technology Law, 2023–2025

Credentials

Admissions & Qualifications

  • 2020California

Languages

  • English
  • German

Education

  • Stanford UniversityLL.M.
  • University of ViennaPh.D.
  • University of Vienna School of LawJ.D.