Keith Mitro

About Keith Mitro

Senior Technology Transactions, IP / Product, and Corporate Attorney with a B.S. in Computer Engineering and foundational early-career engineering roles at Texas Instruments and National Semiconductor. Extensive track record managing and negotiating high-stakes deals for AI/ML infrastructure, autonomous systems, custom silicon development (ASIC/SoC), complex hardware and software transactions, and cloud computing across global jurisdictions. A sought-after strategic partner and engineering-literate counsel to executive, engineering, and product teams. Uniquely skilled at translating complex legal concepts into actionable solutions that bridge the gap between legal risk, business strategy, and technical product development.CORE COMPETENCIESKey Areas of Expertise: Custom Silicon & Hardware | Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning | Complex Technology Transactions | Open Source Software (OSS)| IP Strategy & Litigation | Cloud Computing | Data Privacy (GDPR/CCPA)Silicon & Hardware Legal Expertise: Deep proficiency in ASIC/SoC development deals, Foundry & Fabless manufacturing models, IP Core/SIP licensing (ARM, Cadence, Imagination Technologies), Electronic Design Automation (EDA) software licensing (Synopsys, Cadence), and supply chain risk management.AI/ML Infrastructure: Comprehensive legal advisor for AI/ML workloads, autonomous systems, and data center infrastructure, including model development and model training data licensing and regulatory compliance.Product Counseling: End-to-end legal support for hardware and software New Product Introduction (NPI), providing design-to-launch legal guidance on IP, privacy, and regulatory requirements.Strategic Technology Transactions: Negotiation of complex, high-stakes Joint Development Agreements (JDA), Hardware Agreements, Software and SaaS Licensing, and strategic corporate partnerships.Open Source Software: Governance, compliance, and contribution strategy, leveraging experience as the former Worldwide Open Source Lead at HPE.Regulatory Compliance & Risk: Application of global data privacy frameworks (GDPR, CCPA), trade compliance, and intellectual property risk mitigation.

Experience

1. Director (Legal), Supply Chain, Ai Hpc Infrastructure, & Technology Transactions

   Stealth Startup

   Jun 2024 — Present · Seattle, WA, US

   Lead Counsel for AI Infrastructure Procurement: Direct the legal strategy for the development and operation of AI data centers, negotiating high-value Master Purchase Agreements and OEM/ODM contracts for critical server hardware and high-performance networking equipment.Global Connectivity & Network Operations: Negotiate complex commercial transactions to build and operate global infrastructure, including agreements for submarine cables and terrestrial fiber networks to support enterprise-class AI data center services.

Education

• Santa Clara University School of Law

  J.D., Intellectual Property Law, High Tech Law

  2008 — 2011

• Virginia Tech

  B.S., Computer Engineering

  1996 — 2001

Skills

• Competitive Analysis
• Contract Negotiation
• Business Development
• Software as a Service (Saas)
• Negotiation
• Patent Law
• Open Source Software
• Civil Litigation
• Intellectual Property
• Semiconductors
• Linux
• Patent Litigation
• Legal Research
• Ip Licensing
• Copyright Law
• Product Marketing
• Ic
• Trademark Law
• Program Management
• Iaas
• Cloud Computing
• Project Management
• Cross-Functional Team Leadership
• Patents
• Legal Writing
• Paas
• Product Management
• Software Licensing
• Product Development
• Electrical Engineering