Marquis Who's Who Interviews and Honors Richard Neff for Excellence in Technology and International Law
LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESS Newswire / September 9, 2026 / Marquis Who's Who is proud to interview and honor Richard Neff for his distinguished contributions to technology law, intellectual property, international transactions, privacy and data protection. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process. In Mr. Neff's case, that recognition reflects more than four decades of legal practice serving technology companies, emerging businesses and multinational organizations.
Mr. Neff is the founder and senior partner of Neff Law Firm, where he represents technology, media and e-commerce companies ranging from well-funded startups to established global businesses. His practice centers on transactional intellectual property and technology matters, including software licensing, international distribution, privacy and data protection, copyright and trademark practice, among other areas.
In his Marquis Who's Who interview, Mr. Neff described his firm as serving a diverse clientele that always has included tech companies in Silicon Valley as well as overseas. His current work increasingly addresses artificial intelligence, licensing and privacy issues, reflecting the rapidly evolving legal considerations surrounding emerging technologies.
Mr. Neff has been particularly influential doing international work for the software industry, including for such companies as Microsoft, Intuit, Apple, Autodesk, Symantec and Logitech. After serving as chairman of the Business Software Alliance, he represented the organization for approximately 15 years, working with the world's leading software companies on anti-piracy initiatives throughout Latin America. He participated in early software enforcement efforts in Mexico, Brazil (and most other major Latin American countries and various countries in Asia) and worked with governments and local counsel to reform copyright laws so computer software would receive stronger legal protection. He helped draft various provisions incorporated into copyright legislation in Mexico and Peru and Brazil's Software Law.
His international experience is strengthened by his ability to work in multiple languages. Mr. Neff speaks, drafts and negotiates agreements in Spanish and Portuguese, and has also used French in professional settings. Earlier in his career, he represented the Brazilian Central Bank and Venezuelan Ministry of Finance in private debt-restructuring negotiations, an experience that helped establish his reputation in international legal affairs.
Mr. Neff's career began with prominent law firms in Washington, D.C. (Covington & Burling and Arnold & Porter), before he joined Ashton-Tate Corporation, then a major Southern California software company, as deputy general counsel for international legal affairs. He later founded the Neff Law Group and subsequently served as partner and chair of the Intellectual Property and Technology Group at Greenberg Glusker LLP before establishing the current Neff Law Firm in 2010.
During his interview, Mr. Neff identified several qualities that have contributed to his longevity in the profession: "Sharply attuned to clients, loyalty to deadlines, attention to detail, and quick learning-these are vital." He also emphasizes treating all parties as equals during negotiations, even when representing a start-up against very large opposing companies or law firms. Throughout his career, he has favorably resolved dozens of business disputes, generally enabling clients to avoid wasteful litigation.
The fast-evolving world of artificial intelligence represents a new area of Mr. Neff's practice. He has advised clients developing AI-related technologies, established AI usage terms for software companies and drafted contractual restrictions addressing generative AI for content owners.
His contributions to software protection and the industry's growth earned recognition from the Brazilian Software Industry Association (ABES), which presented him with its first Premio ABES (Prize) for helping advance Brazil's software and technology market. He was also a sponsored speaker in the U.S. State Department's Distinguished Speakers Program in 2008 and 2011, delivering presentations in Spanish at universities and other organizations in Peru and Chile on the economic growth in developing countries that derives from the protection of intellectual property and technology.
Beyond his legal practice, Mr. Neff has served as a judge for the CODiE Awards and previously served on the board of the Technology Council of Southern California. He also had a longstanding affiliation with the Pacific Council on International Policy.
Mr. Neff is a graduate of Yale Law School, where he served as an editor of the Yale Law Journal, and of Cornell University, where he was a College Scholar, College of Arts and Sciences. He was also a Fulbright Scholar in Lima, Peru. Looking ahead, Mr. Neff intends to continue his legal practice while devoting additional time to family, travel and personal and athletic pursuits. He remains committed to understanding AI and other emerging technologies as they reshape our world.
"Richard Neff exemplifies the caliber of accomplished attorney and international technology law leader whom Marquis Who's Who is proud to chronicle," the editorial team stated. "His ability to combine sophisticated legal knowledge, global perspective, and a client-centered approach reflects a career that has helped businesses navigate some of the technology industry's most consequential changes." Through its interview and recognition of Mr. Neff, Marquis Who's Who celebrates an attorney whose work continues to influence technology transactions, intellectual property protection and international business.
Media Contact
Marquis Who's Who
Uniondale, NY
(844) 394-6946
[email protected]
www.marquiswhoswho.com
About Marquis Who's Who ®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America ®, Marquis Who's Who ® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America ® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms worldwide. The suite of Marquis ® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who ® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.
SOURCE: Marquis Who's Who