Ray Areaux

Chair/Founder, Intellectual Property Practice Group. Practice, 40 years, business transactions and IP/tech field, strong emphasis on software and tech issues. A deal guy and a litigator.

“Best Lawyer of the Year” (only one lawyer in New Orleans area) for “Litigation – Intellectual Property” for 2026, 2024 and 2021.

Registered Patent Attorney, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (since 1989). Adjunct Professor “Trademarks and Unfair Competition” (27 years) and Informational Privacy Law (10 years) at Loyola University College of Law.

First managing member of his firm; and, later 3-year term (2010 – 2012). Angel investor (Lagniappe Angels Fund and South Coast Angel Fund). Initial Exec Committee, Lagniappe. Entrepreneur’s Organization a/k/a “EO” (many years, EO Louisiana Board).

J.D., Loyola University (1985, Law Review). B.S. Electrical Engineering & B.S. Computer and Information Systems (both Tulane University, 1978). IBM product development engineer at IBM lab, Austin, Texas (1978-1981). Systems engineer, Conoco, New Orleans (1981-1985).

• negotiating large software and computer contracts (SaaS, core-replacement, hosting and on-premise, for both users and software providers)

• litigating software and computer contract disputes

• serving (30+ yrs) as an arbitrator and mediator for “Large or Complex” business disputes, computer contracts, IP transactions or infringement disputes

• counseling on database breach/cybersecurity/privacy issues

• litigating patent, trademark, trade secret and copyright infringement or licensing disputes (including claims against U.S. military)

• obtaining patents (electrical/electronics, software, web-based delivery, biotech and machinery)

• obtaining/maintaining trademarks, brands and franchise agreements

• negotiating organizational and operating documents for LLCs/corps and for acquisition/divestiture of businesses