Tony Bacon

About Tony Bacon

Early in my career, I discovered a powerful truth: strong relationships are the key to finding innovative solutions and making work genuinely enjoyable. As General Counsel at Hunter Fan Company, I\'ve built my approach on this foundation, viewing my role not just as a legal advisor, but as a collaborative partner in driving our business forward.Whether I’m helping with IP, contracts, data privacy, advertising, safety, compliance, or regulatory matters, I treat my internal clients as if I were an outside attorney striving to maintain their business. I refuse to be seen as an anti-sales department or a department that takes the easy way out by saying “no” all the time. It’s much more interesting and useful to find a way to say “yes” while balancing legal risks with business objectives.As the sole member of the legal department (me, myself, and AI), I have led Hunter\'s legal strategy while also managing day-to-day legal tasks and overseeing several outside counsel relationships. My background in electrical engineering uniquely positions me to handle a wide range of legal matters with a technical and analytical approach, such as patent law, product safety, technical regulations, and technology agreements.My experience at Hunter, along with previous corporate in-house counsel roles, has equipped me with a blend of strategic leadership and hands-on legal work. Joining the Hunter executive team has given me greater appreciation and insight into all aspects of the business, which I utilize to provide more impactful legal advice and strategy.In addition to my legal work, I started Hunter’s first cross-functional AI Steering Team, Safety Team, Regulatory/Compliance Team, and Employee Committee. While I no longer lead these teams, I remain an active member and enjoy seeing their impact on the company.Looking ahead, I\'m excited about the evolving intersection of AI and corporate law. I\'m committed to exploring how AI can enhance my efficiency and the quality of legal support I provide to Hunter. By staying at the forefront of these technological developments, I aim to ensure compliance with emerging regulations and leverage AI as a tool for innovation in our legal processes.My goal is to always work for a company that creates products or services I can wholeheartedly recommend to my family and friends.

Experience

1. General Counsel

   Hunter Fan Company

   Aug 2017 — Present · Memphis, TN, US

   Direct legal strategy and operations for the leading ceiling fan manufacturer. One-person legal department leveraging AI for enhanced efficiency.Key Responsibilities:• Executive Guidance: Partner with business leaders on legal matters and strategic decisions• IP Strategy: Develop and enforce IP strategy, transforming it into a strategic asset• Commercial Transactions: Review and negotiate contracts to align with business objectives• Government Relations: Lead compliance efforts and advocate for new standards with regulatory bodies• Marketing and Brand Protection: Ensure compliance and safeguard brand integrity• E-Commerce and Data Privacy: Support initiatives focusing on compliance and risk mitigation• Litigation Management: Supervise activities and manage external counsel• Cross-Functional Leadership: Active member of AI Steering, Safety, and Compliance Teams• Corporate Governance: Manage for Hunter and subsidiaries• Real Estate: Oversee lease negotiations and transactions, maintain landlord relationships• Policy Creation: Develop and update corporate policies to align with business objectives and legal requirements• Employment Law: Provide guidance on employment matters and ensure labor regulation complianceKey Achievements:• Expanded patent portfolio from 12 to 750+ global assets• Led Hunter through M&A transition from private to public U.S. company ownership• Drafted industry comments to DOE, shaping regulatory outcomes• Resolved critical dispute ensuring continuous manufacturing in China• Avoided costly licenses from patent licensing entities• Integrated AI solutions for contract review and drafting, improving efficiency• Contributed to Hunter\'s recognition as top workplace for 4 consecutive years• Led product recalls with CPSC and minimized liability threats• Expanded trademark coverage internationally and increased brand licensing program

Education

• The Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law

  JD, Law

  2004 — 2008

• University of Michigan

  MS, Electrical Engineering

  2001 — 2002

• Michigan State University

  BS, Electrical Engineering

  1995 — 2000