Semiconductors
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Wilson Sonsini's Historical Ties to Semiconductors and Silicon Valley
Wilson Sonsini has represented semiconductor industry companies since the earlist chip manufacturers emerged during the birth of Silicon Valley.
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Wilson Sonsini Played a Major Role in the Rise of the Chip Industry
Wilson Sonsini represented semiconductor companies--like Cypress Semiconductor, LSI Logic, Altera, and Lattice Semiconductor--that helped grow the chip sector into a global market.
The semiconductor industry is the foundation of the modern-day technology industry, and representing companies in the sector has been central to Wilson Sonsini's practice since the firm's inception. After all, the fast-moving, tech-fueled momentum that was driven by semiconductors and chips led to the birth of Silicon Valley.
Through Wilson Sonsini's longtime transactional work for many of the leading semiconductor industry players, the firm helped to finance and build much of today's semiconductor industry. Meanwhile, our firm's attorneys have maintained strong relationships with semiconductor industry veterans, even as the sector has matured in conjunction with technology advances and market cycles.
Our attorneys continue to demonstrate their mastery of legal matters facing semiconductor companies of all types and sizes, from U.S.-based start-ups seeking venture capital financing to global, integrated device manufacturers based abroad. Wilson Sonsini's attorneys have developed comprehensive industry experience, working with clients focused on, for example:
- Developing logic, programmable, analog, mixed signal, and memory chips
- Integrated device manufacturing
- Application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs)
- Electronic design automation (EDA) software
- Offshore foundry operations
- Chip packaging
- Manufacturing, testing, and measurement equipment
- Related chip technologies, such as micro-electronic mechanical systems (MEMS) and nanotechnology
In addition, we have extensive experience representing venture capital firms and other investors that finance semiconductor companies.
Overview
The semiconductor industry is the foundation of the modern-day technology industry, and representing companies in the sector has been central to Wilson Sonsini's practice since the firm's inception. After all, the fast-moving, tech-fueled momentum that was driven by semiconductors and chips led to the birth of Silicon Valley.
Through Wilson Sonsini's longtime transactional work for many of the leading semiconductor industry players, the firm helped to finance and build much of today's semiconductor industry. Meanwhile, our firm's attorneys have maintained strong relationships with semiconductor industry veterans, even as the sector has matured in conjunction with technology advances and market cycles.
Our attorneys continue to demonstrate their mastery of legal matters facing semiconductor companies of all types and sizes, from U.S.-based start-ups seeking venture capital financing to global, integrated device manufacturers based abroad. Wilson Sonsini's attorneys have developed comprehensive industry experience, working with clients focused on, for example:
- Developing logic, programmable, analog, mixed signal, and memory chips
- Integrated device manufacturing
- Application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs)
- Electronic design automation (EDA) software
- Offshore foundry operations
- Chip packaging
- Manufacturing, testing, and measurement equipment
- Related chip technologies, such as micro-electronic mechanical systems (MEMS) and nanotechnology
In addition, we have extensive experience representing venture capital firms and other investors that finance semiconductor companies.
Client Highlights
Wilson Sonsini Advises Underwriters on Black Sesame IPO and SEHK Listing, the First-Filed Chapter 18C Listing in Hong Kong
On August 8, 2024, Black Sesame International Holding Limited (Black Sesame) successfully listed on the Main Board of the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong, raising gross proceeds of approximately HK$1,036 million (US$132.6 million) from its IPO (the Listing), with market capitalization of approximately US$2 billion. Black Sesame is the first-filed Specialist Technology Company that was successfully listed under Chapter 18C of the Hong Kong Listing Rules, a new regime introduced by the SEHK in March 2023 primarily for pre-revenue technology companies. Black Sesame’s IPO is also one of the largest offerings in the Hong Kong market in 2024. Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati acted as the Hong Kong and U.S. counsel in the Listing to the underwriting syndicate led by the joint sponsors China International Capital Corporation Hong Kong Securities Limited and Huatai Financial Holdings (Hong Kong) Limited.
Client Highlights
Wilson Sonsini Advises Infinera on Acquisition by Nokia
On June 27, 2024, Nokia and Infinera, a global supplier of innovative open optical networking solutions and advanced optical semiconductors, announced a definitive agreement under which Nokia will acquire Infinera in a transaction valuing the company at $6.65 per share or an enterprise value of US$2.3 billion. At least 70 percent of the consideration will be paid in cash and Infinera’s shareholders can elect to receive up to 30 percent of the aggregate consideration in the form of Nokia ADSs. Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati advised Infinera on the transaction.
Client Highlights
Wilson Sonsini Advises Transphorm on $339 Million Acquisition by Renesas
On January 11, 2024, Renesas Electronics Corporation (Renesas, TSE: 6723), a premier supplier of advanced semiconductor solutions, and Transphorm, Inc. (Transphorm, Nasdaq: TGAN), a global leader in robust gallium nitride (GaN) power semiconductors, announced that they had entered into a definitive agreement pursuant to which a subsidiary of Renesas will acquire all outstanding shares of Transphorm’s common stock for $5.10 per share in cash, for a transaction value of approximately $339 million. Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati advised Transphorm on the transaction.
Client Highlights
Wilson Sonsini Advises Pragmatic on $231 Million Series D Financing
On December 6, 2023, Pragmatic Semiconductor, the world leader in manufacturing flexible integrated circuits, announced that it completed a first close of its Series D funding round, securing an investment of $206 million. The company is planning a limited second close for key investors, of which $25 million additional investment is already allocated.
Alerts
BIS Expands Export Controls on Advanced Computing Integrated Circuits for Supercomputer and Semiconductor End Use, and on Semiconductor Manufacturing Equipment and Related Equipment to China
On October 17, 2023, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) issued new controls aimed at further slowing China’s development of advanced AI technologies. These new controls, published in two interim final rules and one final rule, finalize and expand the landmark controls issued in October 2022 on advanced computing integrated circuits (ICs) for supercomputer and semiconductor end use, and on semiconductor manufacturing equipment. The final rule also adds 13 entities involved in the development of advanced computing ICs located in China to the Entity List.
Alerts
Second CHIPS Act Funding Opportunity Announcement Released: Up to $500 Million Available for Facilities for Semiconductor Materials and Manufacturing Equipment
On September 29, 2023, the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST’s) CHIPS Program Office released a new funding opportunity announcement (FOA) for the construction, expansion, or modernization of facilities for the manufacture and production of semiconductor materials and manufacturing equipment for which the capital investment cost is less than $300 million. Up to $500 million in CHIPS incentives will be awarded under this latest FOA.
Insights
Client Highlights
Wilson Sonsini Advises Underwriters on Black Sesame IPO and SEHK Listing, the First-Filed Chapter 18C Listing in Hong Kong
On August 8, 2024, Black Sesame International Holding Limited (Black Sesame) successfully listed on the Main Board of the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong, raising gross proceeds of approximately HK$1,036 million (US$132.6 million) from its IPO (the Listing), with market capitalization of approximately US$2 billion. Black Sesame is the first-filed Specialist Technology Company that was successfully listed under Chapter 18C of the Hong Kong Listing Rules, a new regime introduced by the SEHK in March 2023 primarily for pre-revenue technology companies. Black Sesame’s IPO is also one of the largest offerings in the Hong Kong market in 2024. Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati acted as the Hong Kong and U.S. counsel in the Listing to the underwriting syndicate led by the joint sponsors China International Capital Corporation Hong Kong Securities Limited and Huatai Financial Holdings (Hong Kong) Limited.
Client Highlights
Wilson Sonsini Advises Infinera on Acquisition by Nokia
On June 27, 2024, Nokia and Infinera, a global supplier of innovative open optical networking solutions and advanced optical semiconductors, announced a definitive agreement under which Nokia will acquire Infinera in a transaction valuing the company at $6.65 per share or an enterprise value of US$2.3 billion. At least 70 percent of the consideration will be paid in cash and Infinera’s shareholders can elect to receive up to 30 percent of the aggregate consideration in the form of Nokia ADSs. Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati advised Infinera on the transaction.
Client Highlights
Wilson Sonsini Advises Transphorm on $339 Million Acquisition by Renesas
On January 11, 2024, Renesas Electronics Corporation (Renesas, TSE: 6723), a premier supplier of advanced semiconductor solutions, and Transphorm, Inc. (Transphorm, Nasdaq: TGAN), a global leader in robust gallium nitride (GaN) power semiconductors, announced that they had entered into a definitive agreement pursuant to which a subsidiary of Renesas will acquire all outstanding shares of Transphorm’s common stock for $5.10 per share in cash, for a transaction value of approximately $339 million. Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati advised Transphorm on the transaction.
Client Highlights
Wilson Sonsini Advises Pragmatic on $231 Million Series D Financing
On December 6, 2023, Pragmatic Semiconductor, the world leader in manufacturing flexible integrated circuits, announced that it completed a first close of its Series D funding round, securing an investment of $206 million. The company is planning a limited second close for key investors, of which $25 million additional investment is already allocated.
Alerts
BIS Expands Export Controls on Advanced Computing Integrated Circuits for Supercomputer and Semiconductor End Use, and on Semiconductor Manufacturing Equipment and Related Equipment to China
On October 17, 2023, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) issued new controls aimed at further slowing China’s development of advanced AI technologies. These new controls, published in two interim final rules and one final rule, finalize and expand the landmark controls issued in October 2022 on advanced computing integrated circuits (ICs) for supercomputer and semiconductor end use, and on semiconductor manufacturing equipment. The final rule also adds 13 entities involved in the development of advanced computing ICs located in China to the Entity List.
Alerts
Second CHIPS Act Funding Opportunity Announcement Released: Up to $500 Million Available for Facilities for Semiconductor Materials and Manufacturing Equipment
On September 29, 2023, the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST’s) CHIPS Program Office released a new funding opportunity announcement (FOA) for the construction, expansion, or modernization of facilities for the manufacture and production of semiconductor materials and manufacturing equipment for which the capital investment cost is less than $300 million. Up to $500 million in CHIPS incentives will be awarded under this latest FOA.
Affiliated Programs
London Forum on Global Economic Sanctions
The London Forum on Global Economic Sanctions 2023 program will provide attendees with the most up-to-date developments in economic sanctions from leading financial services organizations as well as global exporters. This is a must-attend for sanctions and financial crime prevention experts.
Affiliated Programs
IAPP Europe Data Protection Congress
Europe’s top gathering of data protection professionals is returning for its 12th year in Brussels. The International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) Europe Data Protection Congress 2023 is the place for delegates to gain insights and working knowledge that will allow you to set a course for the future of your data protection operation. Wilson Sonsini is proud to sponsor this year’s event. To learn more about the conference, and the IAPP, click here.
Affiliated Programs
GP Bullhound Allstars 2023
Allstars recognizes and celebrates the successes and achievements within Europe’s technology universe, drawing attention to those who are shaping the industry’s future and creating the global winners of tomorrow. Dubbed the ‘Oscars of the tech world’ Allstars has stood strong as one of Europe’s leading events for the last 20 years.
Speaking Engagements
Seedlegal’s Raise Your “A” Game
Join Seedlegal’s for a tactical and informative panel discussion on the journey of raising seed funding all the way to series A. This event, hosted with HSBC Innovation Banking and in partnership with Hiscox and Crowdcube, brings together a group of seasoned entrepreneurs, angel investors, and venture capitalists who will willingly share their personal triumphs and failures, giving you data-driven insights into the world of startup funding.
Events
Affiliated Programs
London Forum on Global Economic Sanctions
The London Forum on Global Economic Sanctions 2023 program will provide attendees with the most up-to-date developments in economic sanctions from leading financial services organizations as well as global exporters. This is a must-attend for sanctions and financial crime prevention experts.
Affiliated Programs
IAPP Europe Data Protection Congress
Europe’s top gathering of data protection professionals is returning for its 12th year in Brussels. The International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) Europe Data Protection Congress 2023 is the place for delegates to gain insights and working knowledge that will allow you to set a course for the future of your data protection operation. Wilson Sonsini is proud to sponsor this year’s event. To learn more about the conference, and the IAPP, click here.
Affiliated Programs
GP Bullhound Allstars 2023
Allstars recognizes and celebrates the successes and achievements within Europe’s technology universe, drawing attention to those who are shaping the industry’s future and creating the global winners of tomorrow. Dubbed the ‘Oscars of the tech world’ Allstars has stood strong as one of Europe’s leading events for the last 20 years.
Speaking Engagements
Seedlegal’s Raise Your “A” Game
Join Seedlegal’s for a tactical and informative panel discussion on the journey of raising seed funding all the way to series A. This event, hosted with HSBC Innovation Banking and in partnership with Hiscox and Crowdcube, brings together a group of seasoned entrepreneurs, angel investors, and venture capitalists who will willingly share their personal triumphs and failures, giving you data-driven insights into the world of startup funding.
Ali R. Alemozafar
Partner
Ali counsels clients on patent strategy, prosecution, and diligence for financings, M&A, and IPOs.
U.P. Peter Eng
Partner
Specializes in strategic patent and innovation counseling for technology start-ups.
Chris F. Fennell
Partner
Chris is a veteran attorney who advises tech and life sciences companies through all stages of development and growth.
Mark R. Fitzgerald
Partner
Mark is a veteran attorney who advises technology and life sciences companies on corporate law and transactional matters.
Andrew D. Hoffman
Partner
Andrew’s practice focuses on corporate and securities work for companies at all stages of growth, as well as for financial institutions, venture capital firms, and other investors.
Jordan R. Jaffe
Partner
Jordan R. Jaffe is a partner in the San Francisco office of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, where his practice focuses on high-stakes intellectual property disputes, including patent, trade secret, copyright and trademark litigation. Jordan has expertise in the emerging technologies sector, especially artificial intelligence and autonomous vehicles, where Jordan was identified in 2022 as one of the top eight lawyers advising AI companies by Business Insider. Jordan’s recent experience includes representing Waymo against Uber regarding self-driving technology, representing Google against Sonos regarding alleged smart speaker technology, and representing multiple cybersecurity companies in trade secret litigation. Leveraging his background in computer science, Jordan regularly leads teams in litigation concerning a variety of complex technologies from prelitigation through trial.
Jeana S. Kim
Partner
Jeana’s practice focuses on corporate and securities law matters for emerging growth companies, venture capital firms, and public companies.
Stacy Kim
Partner
Stacy Kim is a leading American cross-border technology lawyer, strategic business advisor, and a co-founding partner of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati's London office.
Bryan D. King
Partner
Bryan focuses on corporate and securities law matters for emerging growth companies, venture capital firms, and public companies.
Robert F. Kornegay
Partner
Rob Kornegay is a corporate and securities partner resident in Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati's
San Diego and Palo Alto offices. Rob joined the firm in 1994 and became a partner in 2001.
His practice focuses primarily on the representation of technology, life science,
and other emerging growth companies throughout the United States and internationally. These companies
range from start-ups to large public companies as well as sources of capital for such companies. Specifically,
Rob represents:
People
Ali R. Alemozafar
Partner
Ali counsels clients on patent strategy, prosecution, and diligence for financings, M&A, and IPOs.
U.P. Peter Eng
Partner
Specializes in strategic patent and innovation counseling for technology start-ups.
Chris F. Fennell
Partner
Chris is a veteran attorney who advises tech and life sciences companies through all stages of development and growth.
Mark R. Fitzgerald
Partner
Mark is a veteran attorney who advises technology and life sciences companies on corporate law and transactional matters.
Andrew D. Hoffman
Partner
Andrew’s practice focuses on corporate and securities work for companies at all stages of growth, as well as for financial institutions, venture capital firms, and other investors.
Jordan R. Jaffe
Partner
Jordan R. Jaffe is a partner in the San Francisco office of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, where his practice focuses on high-stakes intellectual property disputes, including patent, trade secret, copyright and trademark litigation. Jordan has expertise in the emerging technologies sector, especially artificial intelligence and autonomous vehicles, where Jordan was identified in 2022 as one of the top eight lawyers advising AI companies by Business Insider. Jordan’s recent experience includes representing Waymo against Uber regarding self-driving technology, representing Google against Sonos regarding alleged smart speaker technology, and representing multiple cybersecurity companies in trade secret litigation. Leveraging his background in computer science, Jordan regularly leads teams in litigation concerning a variety of complex technologies from prelitigation through trial.
Jeana S. Kim
Partner
Jeana’s practice focuses on corporate and securities law matters for emerging growth companies, venture capital firms, and public companies.
Stacy Kim
Partner
Stacy Kim is a leading American cross-border technology lawyer, strategic business advisor, and a co-founding partner of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati's London office.
Bryan D. King
Partner
Bryan focuses on corporate and securities law matters for emerging growth companies, venture capital firms, and public companies.
Robert F. Kornegay
Partner
Rob Kornegay is a corporate and securities partner resident in Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati's
San Diego and Palo Alto offices. Rob joined the firm in 1994 and became a partner in 2001.
His practice focuses primarily on the representation of technology, life science,
and other emerging growth companies throughout the United States and internationally. These companies
range from start-ups to large public companies as well as sources of capital for such companies. Specifically,
Rob represents:
Recent Insights
Client Highlights
Wilson Sonsini Advises Underwriters on Black Sesame IPO and SEHK Listing, the First-Filed Chapter 18C Listing in Hong Kong
On August 8, 2024, Black Sesame International Holding Limited (Black Sesame) successfully listed on the Main Board of the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong, raising gross proceeds of approximately HK$1,036 million (US$132.6 million) from its IPO (the Listing), with market capitalization of approximately US$2 billion. Black Sesame is the first-filed Specialist Technology Company that was successfully listed under Chapter 18C of the Hong Kong Listing Rules, a new regime introduced by the SEHK in March 2023 primarily for pre-revenue technology companies. Black Sesame’s IPO is also one of the largest offerings in the Hong Kong market in 2024. Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati acted as the Hong Kong and U.S. counsel in the Listing to the underwriting syndicate led by the joint sponsors China International Capital Corporation Hong Kong Securities Limited and Huatai Financial Holdings (Hong Kong) Limited.
Learn More
Client Highlights
Wilson Sonsini Advises Infinera on Acquisition by Nokia
On June 27, 2024, Nokia and Infinera, a global supplier of innovative open optical networking solutions and advanced optical semiconductors, announced a definitive agreement under which Nokia will acquire Infinera in a transaction valuing the company at $6.65 per share or an enterprise value of US$2.3 billion. At least 70 percent of the consideration will be paid in cash and Infinera’s shareholders can elect to receive up to 30 percent of the aggregate consideration in the form of Nokia ADSs. Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati advised Infinera on the transaction.
Learn More
Recent Events
Affiliated Programs
London Forum on Global Economic Sanctions
The London Forum on Global Economic Sanctions 2023 program will provide attendees with the most up-to-date developments in economic sanctions from leading financial services organizations as well as global exporters. This is a must-attend for sanctions and financial crime prevention experts.
Learn More
Affiliated Programs
IAPP Europe Data Protection Congress
Europe’s top gathering of data protection professionals is returning for its 12th year in Brussels. The International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) Europe Data Protection Congress 2023 is the place for delegates to gain insights and working knowledge that will allow you to set a course for the future of your data protection operation. Wilson Sonsini is proud to sponsor this year’s event. To learn more about the conference, and the IAPP, click here.
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