Melanie E. DeFiore is a digital and technology transactions associate in Manatt’s New York office. Her practice focuses on drafting, negotiating, and advising on a broad range of technology, intellectual property and commercial transactions. She regularly counsels clients on software and SaaS agreements, technology licensing, software development, professional services, content distribution, data licensing, cloud services, systems implementation, and other technology-enabled commercial arrangements. Melanie also advises clients on advertising, media, and marketing transactions, as well as cybersecurity and emerging technology issues.

Melanie has significant experience representing buyers, sellers, licensors, and customers in complex commercial transactions and strategic partnerships. She also advises clients on intellectual property and technology matters arising in mergers and acquisitions, including technology and IP due diligence, data rights, and intellectual property ownership and licensing issues.

As part of her practice, Melanie counsels clients on the legal and commercial implications of artificial intelligence technologies. She advises on agreements involving AI-powered products and services, generative AI tools, AI model licensing, data usage rights, and AI-related risk allocation. She also assists clients in navigating emerging legal and regulatory developments affecting artificial intelligence, digital content, and evolving intellectual property rights frameworks.

Before joining Manatt, Melanie was an associate at a New York-based law firm, where she drafted and negotiated a wide range of commercial agreements, including software, data licensing and professional services agreements for large corporate clients. She also advised clients on data privacy and cybersecurity matters.