John A. Hudson is a Senior Managing Director of Ocean Tomo, a part of J.S. Held and works from the Office of the Chief Intellectual Property Officer, J.S. Held.
As the Chief Intellectual Property Officer of a food-tech company based in Raleigh, NC, John was a key member of the executive management team, brought on with the strategic goal of preparing the company for a near-term transaction. In this role, he oversaw all aspects of the company’s intellectual property activities, including:
IP Strategy & Commercialization: John led the development and execution of strategies to realize the value of the company’s IP portfolio, aligning innovation with business objectives.
Portfolio Management & Development: He managed the company’s IP assets, ensuring capture, protection and growth of proprietary technologies.
IP Disputes & Litigation: John was responsible for handling legal matters related to intellectual property, including disputes and litigation.
IP Transactions & Licensing: He directed IP-related transactions and negotiated licensing agreements, both domestically and internationally.
Education & Awareness: He promoted IP literacy within the organization, fostering a culture of innovation and strategic IP thinking.
Valuation & Monetization: John conducted IP valuations and developed monetization strategies to enhance shareholder value.
His efforts culminated in the successful negotiation and execution of an asset sales agreement and two exclusive license agreements—one in the US and one internationally. These transactions transitioned the company from a manufacturing company to a licensing-focused entity, significantly altering its operational model and positioning it for long-term sustainability through IP-driven revenue.
With over 25 years of experience, John has built a distinguished career advising public and private companies, universities, law firms, Venture Capital and Private Equity firms, and government agencies across sectors including technology, media, telecom (TMT), healthcare, food & agriculture, industrials and energy. He has earned a reputation for expertise in: