Ira Kalina
Ira M. Kalina is a partner and vice-chair of the Intellectual Property Practice Group. His practice is concentrated in technology transactions, information technology, research and development, intellectual property, licensing, and advertising. Ira counsels clients from a diverse array of industries, including health care, media, gaming, financial services, entertainment, education and traditional manufacturing.
Ira advises clients regarding development and leveraging of innovation, whether independently or in conjunction with third parties through joint ventures, investments and strategic alliances. He has worked with clients to negotiate joint research and development projects, sponsored research programs with universities and national laboratories, and establishing dedicated labs between universities and industry. He also assists with inbound/outbound licensing programs, technology transfer, distribution and asset distribution.
Ira counsels clients with respect to all aspects of information technology, from software licenses, network services and equipment leasing through system implementation and broad-based outsourcing arrangements. He has developed considerable skill in counseling companies with Internet-based business initiatives with respect to all technology and Web issues, from site development, infrastructure implementation and hosting through distribution, content licensing, promotions and advertising. He regularly counsels clients on open-source licensing, open-source initiatives and the potential impact of open-source on mergers and acquisitions.
In addition to his law firm experience, Ira worked in-house as vice president of business development and general counsel of a Chicago-based Internet startup. During his tenure there, he was responsible for developing relationships with online content and service providers, network providers and distribution partners. Ira also served as licensing counsel to WMS Gaming Inc., a leading manufacturer of video slot machines, and Midway Games Inc., a leading developer of home video games, where he advised the companies with respect to software development, inbound and outbound licensing, e-commerce issues, advertising and promotions.
Ira received his bachelor’s degree in history and economics from the University of Michigan. He is also a graduate of the University of Chicago Law School. He currently serves on the Board of the Chicago College of Performing Arts of Roosevelt University.