John Murphy is a strategic leader with demonstrated success leading globally recognized intellectual property portfolios. He serves as the Han Santos practice group lead for Digital Assets, Branding, and IP Transactions.

Recently, John had a leading role in putting together the agreements for the successful minting of the first NFT (Non Fungible Tokens) from space, between a satellite networking company and a major entertainment industry figure. Relying on his extensive experience establishing and managing IP portfolio growth processes, IP prosecution and management processes, and business-focused IP strategies, he can confidently drive successful outcomes for the newest innovative technologies.

Murphy was personally recognized as being among the top 300 IP Strategists for the years 2016-2020 by IAM Magazine.

While serving as the Chief IP counsel at T-Mobile USA for over 14 years, he was responsible for all aspects of that company's intellectual property asset development, use, and management. He established a team which built an incredible global patent portfolio of 1500+ patents covering every aspect of T-Mobile’s complex business. This portfolio was consistently ranked in the top 20 strongest portfolios by a leading industry publication for 5 years running.

Under his supervision, his team also managed a world-class trademark portfolio of 1000+ trademarks and 2000+ domains and successfully concluded two stadium naming rights licensing deals, for the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, and T-Mobile Park in Seattle.

Earlier in his career, John was Director of Business & Legal Affairs at Warner Bros. Online. There he negotiated some of the very first wireless content licenses for several premier Warner Bros. properties including Harry Potter, Looney Tunes, and Batman.

He is also highly experienced in copyright issues including open-source license reviews and policy, spearheading processes to promote industry / university research and IP collaborations and played a leading role in international standards development and policies.

While he officially joined the firm at the start of 2021, John has been a long-time strategic partner and has worked closely with Managing Partner Pat Santos and the team since the firm’s formation in 2013.

He is a Chicago native and has lived in the Seattle area since 2006.