Cleantech

MoFo is Cleantech. In a sector dominated by uncertainty, we bring clarity.

Cleantech and climate change law are still evolving. We have more than 150 Cleantech lawyers around the world – from California to Washington, D.C., New York to London, Israel to Asia – who stay ahead of the curve on regulatory developments and investment trends to maximize your business potential.

We combine the strength of our corporate and litigation engines with our deep technical expertise in intellectual property, energy and environmental law to deliver integrated, forward-thinking solutions.

Intellectual Property: Securing your Foundation

MoFo is an intellectual property powerhouse. We offer an unbeatable combination when it comes to IP: a patent practice and dedicated technology transactions group that are each highly regarded destination practices in their own right and work seamlessly together. We can help you develop and implement an integrated intellectual property strategy that aligns with your business strategy. We write strategic patent applications for Cleantech clients such as the Energy Biosciences Institute and perform intellectual property due diligence for Cleantech investors such as Khosla Ventures. Sophisticated Cleantech companies like Catchlight Energy and Konica Minolta choose us specifically for large and complex technology transactions. We have helped commercialize intellectual property, products, and services in almost every Cleantech sector. We think creatively and look to the future—helping clients maximize the "carbon” value in licensing transactions, address the impact of governmental funding on intellectual property rights, and secure core technology to access capital markets and meet emerging renewable energy standards.

Environmental and Energy Law: Navigating a Changing Landscape

Our environmental and energy law experts, many of whom were former state or federal regulators, define the playing field. We advise on new legislation, such as RPS standards, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, and cap and trade bills. We have extensive experience representing clients in utility commission proceedings, the restructuring of retail power and gas facilities and the construction of generation, transmission, and distribution facilities. Our land use and environmental attorneys streamline and facilitate the permitting, development, and financing of projects for renewable energy and Cleantech companies such as First Solar, Meridian Solar and Calera. We provide cutting edge advice to better position our clients to address the latest carbon sequestration, climate change and greenhouse gas reduction regulations.

Corporate and Finance: Growing the Bottom Line

Green pays. Our transactional lawyers advise companies on corporate governance, acquisition, development, and finance matters. We help companies acquire synergistic assets; obtain equity, debt, and development financing. We counsel in their acquisition, development, operation, and financing of energy production facilities, various core technologies, and energy efficient businesses. Our project finance and development attorneys specialize in domestic and international energy projects, including solar, wind, biomass, geothermal, landfill, and nuclear projects. Our corporate and finance clients include Cleantech America, First Solar, Inc., MAP Royalty, Silicon Valley Bank, Solel Solar Systems Ltd., Rabobank, and the U.S. Department of Energy.

Litigation: A Deep Bench for High-Stakes Disputes

When Cleantech issues end up in litigation, it’s time to turn to Morrison & Foerster's second-to-none litigation team, with a deep bench of litigators having expertise covering all areas of Cleantech litigation, including intellectual property, false advertising claims relating to green or environmental marketing, and securities litigation. Our IP litigators are known for their extraordinary technical grasp of these technologies and superior courtroom skills. Our green marketing litigation practice provides clients with first-class counseling, enforcement actions, and litigation assistance. And our securities litigation practice is at the cutting edge of issues such as sustainability disclosure and carbon accounting.

MoFo provides a competitive edge in this diverse industry sector

MoFo has emerged as the leading Cleantech firm in the world. Our team delivers innovative advice and impeccable service to a roster of diverse clients who are driving the transition to sustainable energy. Our global network of lawyers have specific industry experience across many Cleantech sub-industries and subject matters, such as renewable and alternative energy; regulation of carbon and other greenhouse gas emissions; and marketing, advertising, and other “green” activities. In fact, MoFo has the real-world experience and legal talent to provide our clients with effective counsel and expertise across the spectrum of Cleantech-related areas. Our experience, which includes work with both well-established and up-and-coming players, provides Cleantech clients with a competitive edge in this diverse industry sector.

MoFo Cleantech clients include: 

• Catchlight Energy, LLC 
• Energy Biosciences Institute 
• First Solar, Inc. 
• Pacific Forest and Watershed Lands Stewardship Council 
• U.S. Department of Energy in connection with the BrightSource Energy, Inc. Ivanpah Solar Complex Project