Heather D. Rafter, Esq.
San Francisco Bay Area
- Current
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- Heather D. Rafter, Esq. at RafterMarsh USA
- Past
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- General Counsel, Avid Audio at Avid Technology
- General Counsel at Avid Audio companies (Digidesign, M-Audio & Sibelius)
- Attorney at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP
2 more...
- Education
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- Columbia University School of Law
- Princeton University
- Phillips Exeter Academy
- Princeton Day School
- Recommended
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5 people have recommended Heather (Dembert) - Connections
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393
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- Industry
- Law Practice
- Websites
Heather (Dembert) Rafter’s Summary
For almost fifteen years, I've had the pleasure of representing several of the top audio technology companies in the world. I've been able to combine my knowledge of the law to help grow a great family of audio companies (Digidesign, M-Audio and Sibelius, all part of Avid Technology). I handled a wide swath of legal issues, ranging from licensing and intellectual property law to leases and employment law.
As of January, I have launched my own law firm practice, which keeps me connected to the world of audio but also expands my scope. I've been working with several companies in the pro audio/MI space, as well as start-ups with great ideas for expanding the reach of music and helping musicians. Some tech clients have nothing to do with music whatsoever but are looking for reasonable, cost-effective solutions on legal issues, ranging from specialized licensing and IP to serving as part-time "general counsel." I'm very much enjoying this new role and work closely with a UK colleague, Terry Marsh, if European expertise is needed.
Heather (Dembert) Rafter’s Specialties:
Intellectual property law, software licensing, contract manufacturing (U.S. and Asia), software and hardware development agreements, mergers and acquistions, employment law, leases and dispute resolution, IP advice and counseling. Prior to my job as the general counsel of Digidesign, I was a litigator focusing on intellectual property, complex litigation and business disputes.
Heather (Dembert) Rafter’s Experience
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Heather D. Rafter, Esq.
RafterMarsh USA
(Law Practice industry)
January 2009 — Present (11 months)
I have launched a law firm, in close affiliation with a UK colleague. We will be focusing on high technology, internet, pro audio and music tech companies. Areas of expertise include IP licensing, contract negotiation, merger & acquistion, IP advice, contract manufacturing, real estate law (leases) and all the day-to-day areas related to running a tech company. I've been the General Counsel of Avid Audio (Digidesign, M-Audio and Sibelius) for many years; my goal is to bring that expertise to assist tech companies with a pragmatic, cost-effective delivery of high-quality legal services.
I am admitted to practice law in the State of California.
Heather (Dembert) Rafter’s Education
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Columbia University School of Law
J.D. , 1983 — 1986
Visiting student, Stanford Law School (1985-86)
- Activities and Societies:
- Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar (1984-85)
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Princeton University
A.B. (magna cum laude) , Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs , 1978 — 1982
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Phillips Exeter Academy
High School , Classics degree (cum laude) , 1976 — 1978
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Princeton Day School
Additional Information
Heather (Dembert) Rafter’s Websites:
Heather (Dembert) Rafter’s Interests:
music, yoga, getting puppy house trained
Heather (Dembert) Rafter’s Groups:
American Bar Association, Silicon Valley Association of General Counsel (SVAGC), American Corporate Counsel (ACC), Princeton Annual Giving
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ACC-SFBA -
Music-innovations -
Princeton University - Alumni Association -
Audio Engineering Society -
Music and Entertainment Professionals -
Music Industry Forum -
Columbia Law School -
Strategic Logistics Supply Chain Group -
MusicMarket360 -
Partnership Management Professionals -
Social Entertainment Professionals -
Bay Area Computer Music Technology Group -
The Grilling - warning label: hot
Heather (Dembert) Rafter’s Honors:
Past Chair of the ABA’s Section of Science & Technology Law (2003-04);
Member, ABA Standing Committee on Membership (2005-08);
Past Chair of the Barristers’ Intellectual Property Committee of the Bar Association of San Francisco (1993-94)
Heather (Dembert) Rafter’s Contact Settings
Interested In:
- career opportunities
- consulting offers
- new ventures
- job inquiries
- expertise requests
- business deals
- reference requests
- getting back in touch
