Neal Patel is a highly accomplished technology and advertising lawyer with over 25 years of experience. He serves as the Practice Group Leader for the Data, Digital Assets & Technology (DDAT) group at his firm, formerly led the firm’s Advertising, Entertainment & Media team, and founded and formerly led the firm’s Technology Industry Team. With his extensive legal expertise and deep understanding of the technology and advertising industries, Neal is a trusted advisor to businesses of all sizes, providing comprehensive legal counsel in technology law, advertising law, data privacy, and intellectual property.
With over 25 years of experience, Neal has a diverse range of professional experiences that have contributed to his expertise in both technology and advertising law. He has worked with both large law firms and in-house at a Fortune 100 company, providing him with a deep understanding of the legal needs and operational challenges faced by businesses in these contexts.
In his current role as the Practice Group Leader for the DDAT group, Neal oversees a team of lawyers specializing in matters involving data privacy and cybersecurity, blockchain and crypto, and technology transactions. He guides the strategic direction of the practice group, ensuring that the team delivers exceptional legal services to clients.
With his comprehensive legal knowledge, industry expertise, and deep understanding of innovation in the technology space, Neal is the go-to technology and advertising lawyer for businesses seeking strategic legal counsel. His intellectual property expertise, data licensing proficiency, and focus on end-user benefit make him an invaluable asset to businesses offering products, services, and solutions in the ever-evolving technology landscape.
Neal’s dual expertise in technology and traditional advertising law enables him to provide valuable legal support in the following areas:
University of Nebraska, J.D., 1997, highest distinction
Order of the Coif
Nebraska Law Review, Research Editor
The Ohio State University, B.S.B.A., 1992
Selected for inclusion in the Ohio Super Lawyers Rising Stars®, 2012-2014
Alumni of the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD) Fellows (2018 Class)
Leadership Cincinnati, Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber, Class 44
Ohio Bar Association
Missouri Bar Association (inactive)
Kansas Bar Association (inactive)
Ensemble Theater Cincinnati, Board of Directors, Executive Committee
Price Hill Will, Board of Directors, Vice Chair
Children’s Law Center, Board of Directors
Ruth Lyons Fund, Board of Directors
Partner Personnel Committee, Member
Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Belonging Committee, former Member
Technology Industry, former Industry Team Leader
Neal is a sought-after speaker and thought leader in the field of technology and advertising law. He frequently presents at industry conferences, sharing insights on topics such as technology-driven advertising strategies, intellectual property protection in the advertising context, and emerging legal issues in the digital advertising landscape. He thought leadership contributions provide valuable guidance to professionals navigating the evolving intersection of technology and traditional advertising:
“2013 Social Media Update,” KBA 23rd Annual Issues for Corporate House Counsel CLE Seminar (April 2013)
“Coupons, Premiums, Loyalty Programs & Rebates,” – 34th Annual PMA Marketing Law Conference (November 13, 2012)
“Ad Forum: The Golden Age of Social Media,” ADmerica — AAF National Conference (June 2, 2012)
“Navigating the Perils and Promises of Social Networking,” 22nd Annual Issues for Corporate House Counsel/Kentucky Bar Association Corporate House Council. (April 19, 2012)
“Social Media Program,” Social Media Program — Greater Cincinnati Minority Council (March 15, 2012)
“Social Networking Perils & Promises,” Southwest Ohio Association of Corporate Counsel Program (December 1, 2011)
“Kidsized Marketing: Supersized issues,” 33rd Annual PMA Marketing Law Conference (November 5, 2011)
“Social Media in the Workplace: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly,” 2011 Annual Frost Brown Todd CLE Event (November 1, 2011)
“Social Media: Practitioners’ Perspectives on Advising Clients and Avoiding Employment Pitfalls,” Kentucky Bar Association Annual Convention, Lexington, KY (June 2011)
“Social Media & The Law,” Northern Kentucky University, Highland Heights, KY (January 2011)
“Social Media Security – Is Your Company Protected?,” Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber, Cincinnati, Ohio (June 2010)
“LexAd After-hours,” Lexington Ad Club, Lexington, Kentucky (June 2010)
“Privacy Considerations for Business Use of Social Networking/Behavioral Advertising,”
ACC in-house CLE Seminar, Frost Brown Todd LLC (June 2010)
“Negotiating Talent and Endorsement Deals under the New Guides,” American Conference Institute’s 23rd National Advanced Forum on Advertising Law, New York, New York (January 2010)
“Complying With State Laws on Sweepstakes, Contests and Promotions,” American Conference Institute – 3rd Annual Advertisers’ and Marketers’ Regulatory Summit, Washington D.C. (June 2009)
“Make It Personal: Behavioral Marketing and Privacy Issues,” AAF National Conference 2009, Washington D.C. (June 2009)
“You’ve Done What With Our Website?,” Cincinnati Bar Association, Corporate Counsel Luncheon, Cincinnati, Ohio (May 2009)
“Copyright & Trademark Update,” The 30th Annual Promotion Marketing Law Conference, Chicago, Illinois (November 2008)
“Interactive Media and the Law,” AdClub Cincinnati Digital Non-Conference, Cincinnati, Ohio (November 2008)
Your Privacy Policy: Fact or Fiction?,” Privacy and Information Security Seminar, Frost Brown Todd LLC (May 2008)
“Advertising in International Markets – How to be Successful and Avoid the Pitfalls,” Miami Valley Trade Association (December 2007)
“Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act,” Promotion Marketing Association, Inc. Conference, Chicago, Illinois (November 2007)
“Social media: Risks & Rewards,” Cincinnati Business Courier Small Business Essentials (July 8, 2014)
“Social Media & America’s Favorite Pastime,” Indiana State Bar Association Intellectual Property Section (July 13, 2012)
“Who’s Afraid of the FTC,” AdClub Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio (December 2009)
Expert Roundtable on CARU, The 31st Annual Promotion Marketing Law Conference, Chicago, Illinois (November 2009)
“Behavioral Advertising,” Lexington Advertising Club, Lexington, Kentucky (August 2009)
“Cause Marketing” & “Behavioral Advertising,” Lawyers, Ads & Money, Cincinnati, Ohio (July 2009)
“Interactive Media. Losing Control?,” The Advertising Federation of Columbus, Columbus, Ohio (January 2009)
“Your Privacy Policy,” Institute of Management Accountants (Northern Kentucky Chapter) Covington, Kentucky (January 2009)
“Internet and Journalism,” Legal Handbook for Ohio Journalists, 4th Edition, published by Ohio State Bar Association, August 2007
February 26, 2018
September 18, 2017
November 30, 2016