H. Mark Lyon

Before becoming a lawyer, Lyon worked on satellite communications for Lockheed Missiles & Space Systems Inc. As much as he loved the technology, he wasn't especially interested in the day-to-day nuts and bolts of engineering.

Initially, Lyon used his interest and background in technology on patent cases. Now he handles technology matters, including transactional and corporate advising. His clients include electronic device, wireless telecommunications, semiconductor, social media, pharmaceutical, entertainment and device manufacturing companies.

Last fall, Lyon spearheaded the launch of a new practice group at Gibson Dunn focused on artificial intelligence and automated systems. He chairs the group, which brings together more than 60 lawyers to address legal issues affecting companies either developing AI products or using such technologies in their businesses.

"Though much of his work is confidential, Lyon and his team advise AI hardware startup SambaNova Systems with IP and privacy issues. Other clients include Oculus, GCL, Sharp, St. Jude Medical, Medtronic, VMware, Square, Red Hat and Novell.

The AI space is fraught with ethical and policy considerations, and Lyon helps clients think strategically about them.

"You have to think about potential downstream issues. If it doesn't work quite as you intended, how do you deal with that, and what's the fallout, from a liability point of view?" he said.

He also advises clients to pay close attention to the regulatory environment. For example, San Francisco recently banned the use of facial recognition software by the police and other agencies. Similar bans are under consideration elsewhere, including a bill recently passed in the California Assembly that now moves to the Senate. Legislators at the state and federal levels are trying to regulate autonomous vehicles.

"Clients need to have a voice in that process, to help monitor those things," he said. "There are opportunities to submit comments on proposed regulations, so even smaller companies can help make sure that legislators and regulators are educated on what these technologies are capable of doing."

-- Jennifer Chung Klam