Partner, Fractional General Counsel
Nathan Wenk
Nathan Wenk helps startups, growth-stage companies, and business owners build, protect, and commercialize their most valuable assets. Drawing on a unique combination of engineering, intellectual property, finance, and transactional experience, Nathan serves as a trusted advisor to companies navigating formation, financing, technology development, strategic partnerships, and exit transactions.
From engineering to law
Nathan's background spans the full lifecycle of innovation. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Portland State University, where his NASA-sponsored capstone project involved designing and conducting microgravity fluid experiments aboard NASA's KC-135 aircraft (the “weightless wonder”).
He subsequently earned his J.D. from Indiana University Maurer School of Law, focusing on intellectual property and business law, while also completing a joint M.B.A. program at Sungkyunkwan University Graduate School of Business in South Korea, where he concentrated on finance and entrepreneurship.
Patents, litigation, then deals
Nathan began his legal career as a patent prosecutor at Knobbe Martens, helping innovative companies protect their intellectual property portfolios. He later joined Sidley Austin LLP, where he practiced intellectual property litigation before transitioning in 2016 into the firm's technology transactions practice. There, he advised emerging companies, venture-backed businesses, and established enterprises on technology licensing, commercial contracts, strategic partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, and investment transactions.
In 2018, Nathan joined Goodwin Procter LLP's Strategic Technology Transactions and Licensing Group, further expanding his experience advising high-growth companies and investors on complex business and intellectual property matters.
Practice today
Today, Nathan's practice focuses on startups and early-stage growth companies.
He regularly advises clients on
- Business formation and corporate governance
- Intellectual property creation, ownership, protection, and licensing
- Trademark strategy and brand protection
- Technology transactions and commercial contracts
- Venture capital and private investment transactions
- Mergers and acquisitions
- Strategic partnerships and licensing arrangements
Nathan's combination of patent, litigation, transactional, and finance experience allows him to address legal issues with a practical business perspective. He works closely with founders, executives, and investors to develop legal strategies that support both immediate business objectives and long-term growth.
In addition to advising clients, Nathan helps manage his wife's consulting practice, giving him firsthand insight into the challenges and opportunities faced by entrepreneurs and closely held businesses.
Recognition: Best Lawyers "Ones to Watch," Technology Law (2021-2025).
Outside the office, Nathan enjoys spending time with his wife and young son, supporting Liverpool FC, and listening to Phish.