Oji K. Nwankwo
Experience
Oji Nwankwo has extensive experience in the technology, entertainment, gaming and Internet applications industries as both a lawyer and senior executive.
Prior to starting his own practice, Mr. Nwankwo was General Counsel and Corporate Secretary for Innova Gaming Group Inc. (TSX:IGG) and General Counsel for its main operating subsidiary, Diamond Game Enterprises. As the primary legal resource for the company, Mr. Nwankwo negotiated and drafted a wide variety of commercial agreements. In addition, he was responsible for all corporate matters, dispute resolution, intellectual property issues (including music licensing, trademark filings and patent administration) and provided general legal advice. While there, he oversaw the private acquisition of Diamond Game by a multi-billion dollar, international gaming company and the eventual spin-off/IPO of Innova on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
Mr. Nwankwo previously served as VP of Professional Services for RealPractice (later acquired by ReachLocal), where he managed all aspects of the company's client relationships (primarily Am Law 250 clientele) as well as held operational responsibility for all enterprise clients. In addition to his senior management duties, he negotiated and drafted software licenses, escrow agreements and other miscellaneous contracts.
Prior to his management position in the technology sector, he served as Counsel at Artisan Entertainment and then Lionsgate Entertainment. At both Artisan and Lionsgate, Mr. Nwankwo supervised all aspects of legal and business affairs relating to music, including soundtracks, music licenses and publishing administration. In addition, at Artisan, he was responsible for all facets of contractual delivery, including chain of title, E&O insurance and music licenses.
Earlier in his career, as Director of Programming Acquisition at FasTV.com, Mr. Nwankwo's responsibilities included securing strategic partnerships with major production companies, networks, and station groups as well as negotiating and drafting television licensing and online distribution agreements. Mr. Nwankwo also has worked in the corporate legal departments of Fox Broadcasting Company and HBO.
Education
- Boston College Law School (J.D. 1996)
- Articles Editor, Boston College Environmental Affairs Law Review (1995-1996)
- University of California, Santa Barbara (B.A. Economics 1993)
Admission
- Active Member, State Bar of California
Memberships
- American Bar Association
- Century City Bar Association
- Los Angeles County Bar Association
Honors
- Selected to the California Super Lawyers list 2019-2024
Certification
- Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) - National Minority Supplier Development Council