Donald E. Karl
Don focuses his practice on corporate finance and securities, mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures and strategic relationships, and venture capital, particularly in the retail and consumer products, technology, media and communication industries.
Don Karl has worked extensively with companies in the intersection of technology and entertainment, particularly in software, the Internet, video games and other interactive entertainment.
Areas of focus
Industries
Services
Education & Credentials
Education
- Harvard Law School, J.D., cum laude, 1976
- Harvard University, M.P.P., 1976
- University of Michigan, B.S., Physics, 1971
Bar and Court Admissions
-
California
Related Employment
- Rosenfeld, Meyer & Susman LLP, Beverly Hills, CA, Partner, 1983-1998
Clerkships
- Hon. William Holloway, Jr., U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit
Professional Recognition
Listed in Los Angeles Magazine, "Southern California Super Lawyers," 2004, 2006, 2007, 2012-2014
Impact
Professional Leadership
- World Wildlife Fund National Council, Member, 2015-present
- Director, Conservation X Labs, Inc., 2019-present
- Director, Spirit of America, 2005-2019
- Trustee, Hollywood Canteen Foundation, 2004-present
Insights
News
Professional Experience
Mergers & Acquisitions
Microsoft Acquisition of Double Fine Productions
Represented Microsoft Corporation in its acquisition of game developer Double Fine Productions.
Skydance Media Interactive Entertainment Joint Venture
Represented Amy Hennig and Julian Beak in interactive entertainment joint venture with Skydance Media.
Microsoft Acquisition of Obsidian Entertainment
Represented Microsoft Corporation in its acquisition of game developer Obsidian Entertainment.
Microsoft Acquisition of Undead Labs
Represented Microsoft Corporation in its acquisition of game developer Undead Labs.
SiteLock Sale to ABRY Partners
Represented UnitedWeb Holdings in the sale of website security solutions company SiteLock to private equity firm ABRY Partners.
Pixelberry Studios Sale to Nexon U.S. Holding
Represented game developer Pixelberry Studios in its sale to Nexon U.S. Holding.
Aspen Technology Acquisition of Mtelligence Corporation
Represented Aspen Technology Inc. in its acquisition of asset performance optimization company Mtelligence Corporation.
Microsoft Acquisition of Mojang (Minecraft)
Represented Microsoft Corporation as U.S. counsel and primary intellectual property counsel in its $2.5 billion acquisition of Stockholm-based game developer Mojang, the creator of the “Minecraft” video game franchise.
Trimble Navigation Limited Acquisition of Gehry Technologies, Inc.
Represented Trimble Navigation Limited in its acquisition of architectural software and consulting services company founded by Frank Gehry.
Microsoft Acquisition of “Gears of War” Franchise
Represented Microsoft Corporation in its acquisition of the “Gears of War” game franchise from Epic Games, Inc., a developer of games and cross-platform game engine technology.
Redbox Automated Retail, LLC Joint Venture
Represented Redbox Automated Retail, LLC in its digital video distribution joint venture with Verizon Communications Inc. to form Verizon and Redbox Digital Entertainment Services, LLC.
Real-D Inc. acquisition of assets of StereoGraphics
Represented 3D cinema company in its acquisition of substantially all of the assets, including patents and related technology, of StereoGraphics Corporation.
Sale of stock of Angel Studios Inc. to Take Two Interactive Software Inc.
Represented videogame developer in sale.