Marcus Harris Software Licensing & IP Attorney

Introduction / Overview

In today's technology-driven world, businesses in Illinois, from burgeoning startups to established enterprises, frequently encounter complex legal issues related to software, intellectual property, and data. For those navigating these intricate landscapes, Marcus Harris stands out as a highly specialized and deeply experienced attorney. Based in Chicago, Marcus Harris has established one of the country's leading practices specifically devoted to enterprise software licensing, SaaS agreements, and critically, litigating failed Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software implementations. His unique expertise stems from his background as a former in-house attorney at some of the world's largest software companies, including SAP America and SSA Global Technologies (now Infor). This invaluable "insider" perspective allows him to understand software vendor tactics and leverage that knowledge to fiercely advocate for his clients. He's not just a lawyer; he's a global technology attorney who quarterbacks high-profile legal teams. For any Illinois business grappling with a new software contract, a challenging implementation, or seeking to recover damages from a costly system failure, Marcus Harris offers an unparalleled blend of legal acumen and industry insight. His commitment to protecting clients' technological assets and ensuring fair dealings makes him an indispensable resource for the Illinois business community.

Location and Accessibility

Marcus Harris's office is strategically located at 111 E Wacker Dr # 2800, Chicago, IL 60601, USA. This prestigious address places him in the heart of downtown Chicago, a central hub for business and legal activity in Illinois. For businesses and individuals across the state, this location offers exceptional accessibility. Situated directly on East Wacker Drive, the office is easily reachable via Chicago's extensive public transportation system, including multiple CTA train lines (the "L") and bus routes, making commutes convenient for those within the city and surrounding suburbs. For clients traveling by car, the downtown location provides access to major expressways, although urban parking considerations apply. The professional environment of a Wacker Drive office reinforces the high-caliber legal services Marcus Harris provides, ensuring clients feel confident and comfortable when visiting. This central location in a major metropolitan area underscores his capability to serve a broad range of clients, from local Illinois businesses to those with national and international interests in software and intellectual property law.

Services Offered

• Enterprise Software Licensing & Negotiation: Marcus Harris specializes in drafting and negotiating complex Enterprise Software related licenses, SaaS (Software as a Service) agreements, and implementation contracts. He aims to secure favorable contract concessions and terms that protect the client's interests and increase the likelihood of successful implementation.
• Failed ERP Software Implementation Litigation: He has developed a leading practice dedicated to representing clients in recovering damages arising out of failed Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software implementations. This involves litigating in courts and before arbitration panels across the country to recover damages such as software license fees, lost profits, and fees for alternative software.
• Intellectual Property Law: Marcus Harris offers expertise in intellectual property, including managing extensive international trademark and patent portfolios, and advising on IP strategy, including in the context of mergers and acquisitions in the software industry.
• Privacy and Data Security: Advising clients on complying with evolving data protection regulations, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and addressing cybersecurity issues to mitigate risks.
• Software Development Agreements: Drafting and negotiating agreements for custom software development projects, ensuring clarity on deliverables, ownership, and acceptance criteria.
• Technology Procurement: Guiding clients through the legal aspects of procuring various technology solutions, from initial RFPs to final contract execution.
• AI and Emerging Technologies Legal Counsel: Providing insights and strategies on the legal implications of artificial intelligence, including data usage for AI training, IP protection in AI, and associated contractual terms.

Features / Highlights

• Premier Enterprise Software Attorney: Marcus Harris is recognized as one of the country's foremost attorneys specializing in enterprise software licensing, negotiations, and litigation, particularly concerning failed ERP implementations.
• "Insider" Industry Knowledge: As a former Senior Corporate Counsel at major software vendors like SAP America and SSA Global Technologies (now Infor), he possesses a unique understanding of software vendor tactics, contracts, and industry practices, providing a significant advantage to his clients.
• Extensive Litigation Experience: He has a proven track record of successfully litigating failed ERP implementations in courts and before arbitration panels across the country, securing significant multimillion-dollar settlements for clients.
• Comprehensive IP Expertise: Beyond software contracts, Marcus Harris offers deep knowledge in intellectual property, including trademark and patent portfolio management, IP due diligence for M&A, and advising on emerging IP issues in AI.
• Strategic Negotiation Skills: He employs a six-step negotiation strategy for ERP software licenses and services, focusing on client education, thorough review, strategic planning, and effective execution to achieve optimal contract concessions.
• Thought Leadership and Media Recognition: Marcus Harris frequently speaks on emerging technology legal issues, moderates panels at international technology law conferences (like ITechLaw's World Technology Law Conference), and is regularly interviewed by the media, highlighting his authority in the field.
• Client-Centric Approach: He emphasizes understanding clients' business needs to secure meaningful concessions and offers ongoing guidance on contract management and enforcement, increasing the likelihood of successful technology implementations.
• High-Profile Cases and Fortune 500 Clientele: His representative engagements include negotiating multi-million and billion-dollar deals and representing leading national distributors and international fashion brands, showcasing his capability to handle high-stakes matters for significant entities.

Promotions or Special Offers

As a highly specialized attorney focusing on complex software licensing, intellectual property, and significant commercial litigation, Marcus Harris does not typically advertise "promotions" or "special offers" in the conventional sense. However, for Illinois businesses and organizations facing critical legal issues related to software and technology, an initial consultation serves as the most valuable "offer." This initial meeting provides an invaluable opportunity to discuss your specific challenges directly with Marcus Harris, gain a preliminary understanding of the legal landscape, and explore potential strategies. It allows you to assess his expertise and determine how his specialized knowledge can benefit your unique situation before committing to full legal representation. We strongly encourage prospective clients in Illinois to contact his office directly to inquire about scheduling such a consultation and to understand any associated fees. This direct engagement is the most effective way to leverage his vast experience and take the crucial first step toward resolving your complex software and IP legal matters.

Contact Information

For Illinois businesses and individuals seeking specialized legal counsel in software licensing, intellectual property, and technology-related disputes, contacting Marcus Harris is a straightforward process. His office is conveniently located at: 111 E Wacker Dr # 2800, Chicago, IL 60601, USA. You can reach his professional team by phone to discuss your specific legal needs, inquire about his services, or to schedule a consultation. The primary phone number for Marcus Harris is (312) 404-7906. Additionally, for mobile convenience, you can reach him at +1 312-404-7906. These direct contact methods ensure that you can easily connect with a highly experienced attorney who possesses an exceptional understanding of complex technology law. Don't hesitate to utilize these contact details to initiate a conversation with Marcus Harris and take the crucial first step toward resolving your software and intellectual property legal challenges in Illinois.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For businesses and innovators across Illinois, particularly those in the dynamic Chicago metropolitan area, Marcus Harris is an exceptionally suitable and indeed vital legal resource. His suitability for locals stems from his highly specialized focus on software licensing, intellectual property, and, significantly, failed ERP software implementations – areas that are increasingly critical to modern Illinois commerce. Unlike general practitioners, Marcus Harris brings a unique "insider" perspective, having served as in-house counsel for major global software vendors. This means he profoundly understands the intricacies of software contracts, vendor tactics, and the common pitfalls that can lead to costly disputes for Illinois companies. This intimate knowledge allows him to anticipate challenges and craft robust strategies that directly benefit local businesses. His prime location at 111 E Wacker Dr in Chicago ensures easy accessibility for clients throughout the state, making expert technology legal counsel within reach. Whether an Illinois startup is negotiating its first SaaS agreement, an established manufacturer is struggling with a botched ERP rollout, or any business needs to protect its valuable intellectual property, Marcus Harris offers the targeted expertise and litigation prowess necessary for success. His commitment to protecting clients' digital assets and recovering damages from failed implementations demonstrates a clear alignment with the practical needs of Illinois enterprises, making him an indispensable partner in navigating the complex legal landscape of technology.