Damian Smith

About Damian Smith

I have been a Japan specialist for over 35 years. I read, write and speak Japanese and negotiate contracts in Japanese. I enjoy representing Japanese companies in transactions all over the world, and US clients in Japan and other countries of Asia. I also speak some Chinese. I have hired legal counsel in every country in Asia and understand the legal systems and the cost of legal assistance in these countries. Specialties: International transactions, M&A, dispute resolution, intellectual property, arbitration, negotiation of contracts, corporate representation of US subsidiaries, employment issues

Experience

1. Partner

   Techlaw Ventures, Pllc

   May 2009 — Present · Lehi (Thanksgiving Point), UT, US

   Specializing in international transactions and dispute resolution for US and Asian clients. Fluent in reading, writing and speaking Japanese. My work takes me to Japan several times a year, and has also has required me to travel to such locations as Thailand, France, Australia, Bulgaria and Singapore in the recent past to assist in negotiating international transactions. Recently, I have resolved numerous world-wide patent infringement claims for Japanese clients. Our approach is to avoid litigation if possible and negotiate settlements through patent license agreements. This approach is quicker and less expensive than litigation and is more comfortable both to Japanese clients and infringers. We have achieved recoveries of approximately $40 million for Japanese clients in the past 3-4 years. I see it as my role, whether representing US or Japanese clients in cross country contract negotiations, to bridge cultural gaps and help the parties communicate in order to reach win-win agreements. I typically translate the proceedings for Japanese clients. Through a network of counsel that I have personally built, I assist US clients in accessing foreign markets or establishing facilities to serve international markets. We also represent local private companies (particularly high-tech companies, but also traditional corporations) in their general business needs, including transactions of all kinds, establishment of entities, M&A, resolution of disputes, advising of boards of directors, etc.We also specialize in helping local clients prepare for stringent due diligence requirements of sophisticated buyers (see Projects below). Similarly, we assist local and international clients in conducting proper due diligence when acquiring other companies or rights in technology.

Education

• BYU Law School

  J.D., Law

  1974 — 1977

• Brigham Young University

  BA, JD, English; Law, Summa Cum Laude (undergraduate); Magna Cum Laude (law)

  1968 — 1977