Richard Bergovoy
Chief Legal Counsel
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Richard has over 25 years experience, and concentrates his practice on companies which license intellectual property. Owner at Law Offices of Richard R. Bergovoy, Richard serves as “outside inside counsel” for Parham Santana. As a former Deputy General Counsel at The Beanstalk Group, Richard helped monetize value for such world class brands as Ford Motor Company, NBC Universal, AT&T, Coca-Cola and Procter & Gamble. During his career, he has negotiated over 3,000 contacts, and closed difficult and novel deals that won awards and produced significant revenue for clients. Author of the The Licensing Law Blog, Richard is a graduate of Boston University School of Law, fluent in Japanese, and has lectured and published for international audiences on license agreements. |
What got you into this business in the first place?
I have been an attorney for 28 years, and an intellectual property attorney for more than 20 years. I started in software licensing, then migrated to brand licensing about eight years ago. What I like about IP law in general and licensing law in particular is that they are always fresh, always interesting.
Who was a big influence in your career?
My father. He has always encouraged me to be my best, and to attempt goals I thought were beyond my reach.
What was "your finest moment," the thing you're most proud of?
Passing the Japanese Language Proficiency Test, after learning the language through self-study.
What attracted you to Parham Santana?
John and all the other Parham Santana professionals are people of high creativity, who are guided by a strong ethical sense in their business dealings.
What driving career goals do you still have?
To help launch great licensing programs through creative negotiation and contract drafting.
What talent do you wish you had?
A photographic memory, but I’ll settle for a “backup app” to keep what I already have.
If you had to live on a desert island, what would you miss most?
Internet news—I’m an info junkie.
Is there any food that helps you think more creatively?
Chocolate in any form.
What's your favorite sports team?
I’m a recovering Mets fan. That’s all I care to say on the subject.
What frustrates you the most?
Dogmatic people.
What was growing up like for you?
I grew up in a very normal suburban environment on Long Island: Mom, Dad, three kids, and a cat. The Beatles, the beach and the mall were all a big part of my childhood.
What was college like for you?
My best memories from college were working on the school newspaper, pulling all-nighters to finish the articles and get the issue out. Facing deadlines, you learned who had talent, and who your friends were.
What are your favorite Internet sites?
Nytimes.com
Google News
Thelicensinglawblog.com
What is your greatest extravagance?
My carbon fiber racing bike.
What is your most treasured possession?
See above.
What is your motto?
Fix it or forget it.
What is your most marked characteristic?
Persistence.