Max Sills

Max Sills is a distinguished legal expert with a rich background in intellectual property, open-source law, and cryptocurrency. Starting his career with prestigious roles as a Law Clerk at the World Intellectual Property Organization, the United Nations, and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Max honed his expertise in risk strategy and financial innovation. This foundation set the stage for his impactful tenure at Google as an Attorney Manager, where he oversaw open-source legal matters and played a crucial role in structuring commercial partnerships and acquisition strategies.

Max's career trajectory then led him to Leap Motion, blending his legal acumen with technical skills as a Software Engineer and Attorney. Here, Max co-managed the patent portfolio and contributed significantly to the software architecture, showcasing a unique blend of legal and technical expertise. His journey continued as the General Manager of the Crypto Open Patent Alliance, where Max championed open patents in the crypto space, and as Counsel at Block, leading the Crypto Open Patent Alliance and addressing legal challenges in open partnerships and IP licensing.

In addition to these roles, Max has contributed to the broader legal and tech communities as a Board Member at LedgerDomain and an Advisor at Midjourney, further cementing his status as a thought leader in these fields. Currently, Max leads Open Advisory Services, offering specialized legal counsel in AI and crypto, and serves as the General Counsel of Midjourney, providing strategic legal guidance to emerging generative AI companies. His work in this area is marked by a deep understanding of both the legal and technical nuances, enabling him to offer critical advice for growth and risk mitigation.

Max's educational background is as robust as his professional experience, holding a Doctor of Law (J.D.) degree from Vanderbilt University Law School and a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Mathematics and Cognitive Science from Case Western Reserve University. Max's journey in law began after his formative years at Culver Military Academy and was solidified with his certification as a Member of the California Bar.

Through his career, Max Sills has become a pivotal figure in navigating the complex intersections of law, technology, and business, particularly in the realms of AI, open source, and cryptocurrency. His expertise continues to shape the strategies of small and medium companies, as well as influence the trajectories of pioneers in the AI sector.