David D. Axtell is a partner at Stinson LLP, where he provides intellectual property, artificial intelligence and information technology counseling to clients ranging from startups to Fortune 100 companies. He heads the firm’s AI Task Force, leading multidisciplinary efforts to help clients navigate AI governance, risk management and commercialization strategies.

Axtell earned a biology degree with honors from Grinnell College and his law degree with high distinction from the University of Iowa College of Law, where he was editor in chief of Transnational Law & Contemporary Problems and earned Order of the Coif honors. His scientific background informs his patent litigation practice, which has involved medical devices, molecular biology and computer software and hardware.

His transactional work spans complex software and IP licensing, technology transfer, M&A due diligence and data privacy. Axtell is a registered patent attorney admitted before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, and is also admitted to practice before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.

Jeffrey R. Cadwell is a partner at Dorsey & Whitney LLP, where he co-chairs the firm’s Creative Industries and Video Game groups. His practice focuses on helping clients select, protect, enforce and commercialize their intellectual property, with particular expertise in trademark and copyright law.

Cadwell earned a bachelor’s degree in music from Drake University, a master’s degree in music composition from the University of Minnesota and a law degree from Santa Clara University School of Law, where he graduated magna cum laude. His academic background in music informs his work advising clients in the entertainment, music and pharmaceuticals industries.

His representative matters span licensing, enforcement and transactions, including work for notable clients in the gaming, entertainment and hospitality sectors. He has handled complex domain name disputes, DMCA matters and IP due diligence in mergers and acquisitions. Cadwell serves on the board of trustees of the Copyright Society of the USA and is admitted to practice in Minnesota and California.

Steven E. Helland is a shareholder at Fredrikson & Byron, where he chairs a multidisciplinary group focused on technology, data, artificial intelligence and intellectual property law. His practice centers on the intersection of information technology, internet, software, new media and advertising.

Helland earned his undergraduate degree from Vassar College and his law degree from the University of Michigan Law School. He has represented clients across a broad range of technology matters, including cloud agreements, Software as a Service contracts, data privacy and security, health IT and machine learning. He founded the firm’s Website Accessibility Group in 2015 and has defended and advised more than 50 website and app owners on accessibility and Americans with Disabilities Act compliance.

His transactional work includes mergers and acquisitions involving software, websites and customer data assets, with deal values ranging from $500,000 to $200 million. Helland is admitted to practice in Minnesota and before the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota.

Eran Kahana is counsel at Maslon LLP, where his practice focuses on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, intellectual property and technology law. He counsels clients on AI governance, privacy, trademarks, patents, copyright and cybersecurity matters, and works closely with the FBI, Department of Justice and Secret Service to promote cybersecurity best practices.

Kahana earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities and his law degree from Hamline University School of Law with honors. He has been a fellow at Stanford Law School since 2009 and serves on the advisory board of Stanford Law School’s Artificial Intelligence & Law Society. He is also an adjunct professor of AI in law at the University of Minnesota Law School and a member of the Scientific Council of the Israeli Association for Ethics in Artificial Intelligence.

A frequent speaker on AI and emerging technology law, Kahana is admitted to practice in Minnesota and before the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota.

Henson Efron Shareholder Johnathan R. Maddox practices intellectual property, data privacy, artificial intelligence governance and technology law. He brings 20 years of experience to clients ranging from startups to Fortune 500 companies.
Maddox earned a bachelor’s degree in molecular genetics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and his law degree from the University of Minnesota Law School. His scientific background informs his work on patent matters, including representing a global pharmaceutical company in multiple patent lawsuits under the Hatch-Waxman Act. He holds certifications as a Certified Information Privacy Professional and a Certified AI Governance Professional.
His representative matters include counseling on intellectual property issues in a $140 million health care industry acquisition, negotiating licensing agreements with Dolby Laboratories and advising one of North America’s largest packaged food companies on IP strategy. Maddox is a registered practitioner before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and is admitted to practice in Minnesota federal and state courts.

Forsgren Fisher McCalmont DeMarea Tysver Partner Daniel Tysver concentrates on patent law in the areas of computer software, mobile device applications, consumer electronics, data storage and medical devices. He brings nearly 30 years of experience to his practice, serving clients ranging from Fortune 100 companies to startups and solo inventors.

Tysver earned his undergraduate degree from Carleton College and his law degree from Harvard Law School. He founded and operated his own patent-prosecution boutique firm for more than 20 years before joining his current firm. He served as an adjunct professor of patent law at the University of Minnesota Law School and taught software and technology law at the University of St. Thomas for a decade.

He is the author of BitLaw, a website providing legal information on intellectual property and the protection of computer technology. Tysver is admitted to practice in Minnesota, Massachusetts and before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.