Michael Fatall

Partner

 mfatall@chapmanspingola.com
 (312) 606-8652
 (312) 630-9233
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As head of Chapman Spingola’s Technology + IP Transactions practice, I directly manage or supervise all legal aspects of transactions – whether large or modest, straightforward or complex — where IP and technology assets are central to the deal.

During my 20+ year career, clients in a variety of industries have asked me to help negotiate and close agreements covering licensing; development and research; purchases and sales of technology and IP assets; cloud and platform hosting and other IT agreements; partnering and collaborations; manufacturing, marketing/distribution; and technology and professional services.

I frequently negotiate commercial contracts and work with corporate colleagues on IP and technology aspects of business acquisitions and sales.

I also offer clients strategic counseling regarding protection and registration of IP assets.

As necessary, I work with Chapman Spingola’s litigation team in disputed matters to help structure and negotiate transactional solutions.

  • J.D. from Northwestern University School of Law; Dean’s Honors List; Julius Miner Moot Court Competition Quarter-finalist; Co-Chair of the Julius Miner Moot Court Board Judge’s Committee
  • Undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of Kansas

  • Global financial services institution in a multi million-dollar sale of technology platform and related business assets.
  • Market-leading business process provider in the retail energy sector in the strategic acquisition of technology platform and related business assets, and the negotiation of a multi-year technology services agreement.
  • Technology consulting firm in negotiation of strategic license, development, marketing and revenue sharing transaction in the foodservice management space.
  • Leading foodservice equipment manufacturer in strategic patent licensing, development and supply transaction and a variety of other technology, development and distribution arrangements.
  • National provider of revenue-cycle management services to healthcare providers and hospitals on key technology license and services agreements.
  • Veterinary imaging equipment maker in the negotiation of ownership and license agreement as a resolution of litigation over trade secrets central to the client’s business.
  • Mapping technology company in the negotiation of network hosting, hardware and software escrow and licensing arrangement in resolution of litigation dispute.
  • UAV designer and manufacturer in multi-million dollar sale of UAV systems and services deal as well as development, licensing, purchase and sale agreements.
  • Global packaging company in $3 billion divestiture. Just eight weeks before the sale, we were asked to negotiate over 50 critical technology, IP and commercial contracts necessary for the company to be up and running as of the sale.
  • Illinois-based renewable chemicals company in negotiating non-disclosure material transfer, supply, research and development and other commercial and technical agreements.

  • “Assignability of IP Licenses: Is Silence Really Golden,” 3:2 HASTINGS LAW JOURNAL 197 (Spring 2007)
  • “Security Interests In Intellectual Property,” 19th Annual Computer & Information Law Institute, Dallas Texas (October, 2004)
  • “After the Fall: What Happens to IP Licenses During Bankruptcy,” IP Worldwide, (August 2002)
  • “Assignability of IP Licenses in Bankruptcy: Navigating the Murky Waters of Section 365,” ABA Intellectual Property Law Newsletter, (Fall 2002)

I have worked on many human rights issues, often representing clients in political asylum and immigration matters, assuring asylum protection for individuals and their families and assisting in these individuals’ and their families’ ongoing efforts to become U.S. citizens. I also counseled victims of human trafficking who came forward to cooperate in the prosecution of their traffickers in obtaining visas to stay in the United States.

I am an emeritus board member of A Red Orchid Theatre, located in the Old Town Neighborhood of Chicago. When I am not practicing law, you can find me bashing away on my drum kit at home, graciously endured by my wife and two sons (and our neighbors), or enjoying Chicago’s many record stores, music venues and movie theaters.