A pioneer in technology law, Partner John Yates launched the firm’s Technology Practice more than 35 years ago and has practiced exclusively in this area since that time.

Under John’s leadership, the firm’s technology practice has represented more than 1,000 tech companies and offers comprehensive legal and corporate services to start-ups, growing tech companies, and investors.

He is a prolific author and leading voice in technology law, has been cited at the U.S. Supreme Court, published in technology business and law textbooks, and quoted extensively in publications such as The Wall Street Journal and The Economist.

John is a frequent speaker and has given more than 250 speeches on technology law, including at annual technology law seminars sponsored by the Georgia Bar Association, North Carolina Bar Foundation, Minnesota Computer Law Institute, ITechLaw Association, and the American Bar Association’s Section of Science and Technology.

John co-founded the Southeastern Software Association (SSA), the Southeastern Medical Device Association (SEMDA), and the Technology Association of Georgia (TAG).

In 2001, the Technology Association of Georgia honored John by making him the first recipient of the “Leader of Influence Award” for his outstanding service to the region’s technology community. He has also been selected by eCompanies as one of the “Technology Leaders in Atlanta” and by The Atlanta Business Chronicle as one of the “Most Influential Leaders in Atlanta.”

In 2002, the United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta created the John Yates Award for Community Leadership honoring his work on behalf of the community as co-chair of the United Way’s Atlanta Technology Initiative for 2001-2002. The award is presented to the United Way campaign member who surpasses expectations and inspires others to use their unique gifts in ways that impact the community.

In 2003, John served as Chairman of the Georgia Technology Celebration, the largest gathering of technology executives in Georgia’s history. He also received the 2003 Community Builder Award from the Technology Association of Georgia for his service on behalf of the technology community in the state and served as Chair of the 2013 Atlanta NCAA Final Four Basketball Committee.

Representative Experience:

Since joining the firm in 1987, John has helped to shape the mission of the MMM Technology Group—to be a leading provider of value-added legal services to growing technology and tech-enabled companies throughout the US and internationally.

John has been directly or indirectly involved in assisting hundreds of tech companies and entrepreneurs in raising and closing financings from startups and angel investments through venture capital and successful $1 billion M&A exits and IPOs.

As the senior attorney in the group, John has worked with the talented MMM team to connect tech clients and entrepreneurs with leading resources—sources of capital, management talent, prospective customers, and board members. He also led the initiative to create MMM’s Tech Podcast and to bring on MMM’s first Entrepreneur in Residence in 2018.

Bar Admissions
American Bar Association (Member, Sections on: Science and Technology; Corporation, Banking and Business Law; Chair, Subcommittee on UCC 2B - Special Committee on Software Licensing)

State Bar of Georgia, admitted 1981 (Computer Law, Corporate and Banking, and Intellectual Property Sections)

Education
Duke University, 1981
Juris Doctor (JD)
Duke University, 1978
Bachelor of Arts (BA)
magna cum laude
Angier B. Duke Memorial Scholar

Significant Accomplishments
Atlanta Magazine 2018 Technology Groundbreaker
Furman University 2018 Engaged Parent Award
CURE Childhood Cancer 2018 Ragab Spirit of Hope Award
2017 Woodruff Arts Center Charles Yates Award
2017 Distinguished Leader Award, The Daily Report
2014 Community Leader of Faith, Day 1
Recognized lawyer, Venture Capital and Corporate M&A, Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business
Recognized by Super Lawyers in Georgia
2011 Turknett Leadership Character Award

Professional Associations
Board of Trustees, Furman University
Co-chair, Technology Leadership Council, Metro Atlanta Chamber
Board of Directors, YMCA of Metro Atlanta
Advisory Council, Boston University Tanglewood Institute
Program Chair, Downtown Atlanta Rotary Club
Chair (Capital Campaign), Board of Visitors, Duke University Law School
Board of Directors, Co-Founder, Member, Technology Association of Georgia (TAG)
Board of Directors, Co-Founder, Technology Executives Roundtable
Emory University New Venture Advisory Board
Georgia CIO Leadership Association
Co-Founder, Southeast Technology General Counsel Roundtable
Co-Founder, Southeastern Medical Device Association (SEMDA)
Co-Founder, Southeastern Software Association (SSA)
Charter Member/Atlanta, TiE

Author:

“Software Support and Hardware Maintenance Practices: Tying Considerations,” 8 The Computer Lawyer 17, 1991



“New Revenue Recognition Policies - Guidelines for Drafting Software Agreements,” 9 The Computer Lawyer 12, 1992



“The Importance of Contract Confidentiality,” The Law and Business of Computer Software



“Reaching the Market-Franchising and Licensing,” The Handbook for Small Business Management



The Yates Perspective (weekly column), www.localtechwire.com



Co-Author:

“Legal Power: A Software Executive’s Guide to Key Legal Practices,” Culpepper and Associates



“New Guidelines for Software Revenue Recognition - Pointers for Providing Guidance to Clients (Part I)”, The Computer Lawyer, December 1997



“New Guidelines for Software Revenue Recognition - Pointers for Providing Guidance to Clients (Part II)”, The Computer Lawyer, January 1998

MMM Tech Law & Business Report

Morris, Manning & Martin, LLP

The goal of the MMM Tech Law & Business Report is to inform, educate and socialize important business and legal issues directly relevant to our target audience — entrepreneurs, investors and strategic partners.