Cyrus Ansari
PEOPLE

Cyrus Ansari

Partner
ansari.cyrus@dorsey.com

Overview

With over a decade of experience, Cyrus advises technology companies on transactions and product strategy to drive innovation and protect their IP and data.

Clients rely on Cyrus to support their commercial transactions, technology licensing, intellectual property, and regulatory compliance needs. He helps clients structure and close strategic deals, including collaboration, distribution, reseller, and similar technology agreements. He also advises on regulations including consumer protection, supply chain, gambling, and privacy issues.

His experience spans early-stage ventures to global organizations, including Fortune 100 companies. Cyrus guides product development and product launches in ways that spur innovation while managing legal exposure. Clients appreciate Cyrus’ practical, business-oriented approach to risk allocation and his experience handling sophisticated agreements.

Cyrus counsels both established market leaders and high-growth startups that deliver consumer and business-to-business (B2B) solutions across cloud computing and AI, software as a service (SaaS), digital media and interactive entertainment, and blockchain and fintech. Although these sectors are a focus of his practice, he also advises clients in many other industries on complex transactions and related legal issues.

Education & Admissions

New York University School of Law (J.D., 2013),

  • Articles Editor, Environmental Law Journal

University of Washington (B.A., International Studies, 2009)

Admissions

  • Washington
  • New York

Experience

Representative Matters

 

Cloud Infrastructure & Strategic Partnerships

  • Global Cloud Services and Software Provider
    Served as lead counsel on strategic partnerships with channel distributors and resellers, volume licensors, value-added resellers, consulting partners, and suppliers, including joint development, cloud channel, co-marketing, and outsourcing agreements. Also advised on sensitive partner-management and termination matters. Transactions ranged from $1 million to more than $100 million.
  • Global Cloud Services and Search Provider
    Negotiated strategic infrastructure procurement agreements involving data center equipment and services, including electrical transformers and hard drives, with colocation providers, equipment suppliers, cloud marketplace participants, and logistics companies. Transactions ranged from $1 million to more than $300 million.
  • Global Infrastructure-as-a-Service Provider
    Drafted and negotiated a strategic cloud partnership with a global enterprise offering cloud and database applications, focusing on integration terms, security risks, and IP license scoping. Transaction value exceeded $250 million.

AI Services & Licensing

  • AI Voice Technology Service Provider
    Led the negotiation and drafting of SaaS agreements and a commercial contract suite for engagements with major telecommunications and traditional media companies.
  • Major News and Digital Media Company
    Negotiated inbound SaaS agreements with leading generative AI and coding-tool providers to support newsroom product innovation.

Frontier Technology Transactions

  • Global AR/VR Device Maker and Software Developer
    Advised on and negotiated licensing and evaluation agreements with global universities for AR hardware and software research, including privacy issues arising from human subjects research.
  • Autonomous Vehicle Manufacturer
    Drafted a long-term, milestone-based partnership agreement with a global transportation-as-a-service technology company to integrate self-driving technology into long-haul freight trucks. Transaction value exceeded $100 million.
  • Connected Vehicle Developer
    Drafted a cross-border IP asset purchase agreement to acquire software, copyrights, and related intellectual property from an international technology company.

Startup Transactions & Commercial Counseling

  • AI Company
    Drafted terms of service and a privacy policy for a startup AI assistant serving medical and dental office groups.
  • Blockchain Wallet Provider
    Structured SaaS and software licensing agreements with institutional cryptocurrency custodians.
  • Medical-Device AI Company
    Negotiated licensing, services, and hardware sales agreements with major academic and clinical research institutions for AI-based diagnostic technology.

Blockchain & Fintech Transactions

  • Layer 1 Blockchain Network Foundation and Lab
    Structured and negotiated software consulting agreements with milestone-based token grants.
  • Hybrid Public-Private Layer 1 Blockchain Network
    Drafted bespoke software development and consulting agreements for a hybrid public-private blockchain designed to track carbon and pollution for clean-energy credits.
  • Fintech Kiosk Operator
    Negotiated a payment-card manufacturing agreement to support a fintech product launch.

Gaming & Product Counseling

  • Financial Services Provider
    Advised on product and regulatory issues relating to payment services for mobile and online games offering real-money prizes, including supplier licensing and state-by-state compliance risks.
  • Video Game Developer and Publisher
    Structured global software distribution and promotional agreements with leading international video game distributors and resellers.

*Includes matters handled prior to joining Dorsey.

News & Resources

Industries & Practices

  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Emerging Companies
  • FinTech
  • Intellectual Property
  • Privacy & Social Media
  • Technology
  • Technology Commerce
  • Video Games

Professional & Civic

Professional Achievements

  • Member, Washington State Bar Association, Corporate Counsel Section
  • Member, Video Game Bar Association (VGBA)

Accolades

  • Best Lawyers in America®, 2026
  • Best Lawyers® Ones to Watch in America, 2022-2025
Cyrus Ansari