Education
J.D. 1988, University of Nebraska
MIM 1985, American Graduate School of International Management (Thunderbird)
B.S. Finance 1982, University of Nebraska

Bar Admissions
Colorado - 2000
California - 1989 (inactive)

Director
303.894.4472
jleonard@fwlaw.com

John A. Leonard specializes in the legal aspects of financing, running and selling businesses. John works with companies that are financed and grown from operations, as well as those that are angel, venture capital or financed by other outside investors using private placement memorandums. John helps clients grow from operations and by mergers and acquisitions. He helps clients structure C-level retention and bonus programs. John advises companies on business exits to a company’s management or through private equity acquisitions and by mergers. John assists many of his clients in software development, protection and distribution including distribution with OEMs, VARs, and electronically through the software as a service model.

John assists companies in US export compliance including goods and services on the Munitions List and subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). He prepares and negotiates Technology Assistance Agreements, Commodity Jurisdictions, DSP-5 and other export licenses. John advises companies on establishing foreign branches and subsidiaries, and negotiation international agency, distributor and joint venture agreements. He advises companies on export compliance systems, Anti-Boycott and the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.

John is on the board of the Colorado Software and Internet Association, chairs its Public Policy and Economic Development committee and received the 2005 CSIA Champion of the Year for his stewardship of Colorado technology and software issues. John is on the board of the Clean Energy Business Accelerator and has testified before legislative committees regarding electronic commerce, angel and venture finance and technology law issues.

John enjoys skiing, landscape photography and all styles of barbeque.

Practice Areas:

• Business and Corporate
• Technology
• Entrepreneurs and Closely Held Businesses
• International
• Corporate Finance
• Intellectual Property
• Public Policy and Governmental Relations
• Securities Offerings, Regulation and Compliance

Authored Articles:

• A Practical Guide to Using Open Source Software
• A Practical Guide To Contractor Code Of Business Ethics And Conduct And Corporate Compliance Programs
• Compensation and Benefits: A Checklist For Success
• A Practical Guide to Equity Incentive Plans
• Guide to Sources of Financing for Companies
• U.S. Export Controls - A Practical Approach
• Intellectual Property Protection Guide
• Of Chameleons and Pitfalls
• Taxation of Patent Transfers
• Navigating ITAR Requirements and Exemptions for Marketing Development and Presales Activities
• Using ITAR Commodity Jurisdiction Procedures To Maximize Civilian Exports
• Summary of Digital Legislation Affecting Colorado