Legal Counsel for Oil & Gas Technology
Bridging traditional and next-generation energy with counsel who understands both worlds.
Why Oil & Gas Technology Needs Focused Counsel
We work with companies bringing innovation to traditional energy: digital transformation, emissions reduction technology, and operational efficiency solutions. The oil and gas industry has unique commercial dynamics: massive operators with standard-form agreements, complex joint venture structures, and specific IP considerations for oilfield technologies.
At the same time, the energy transition is creating new opportunities. Companies that can serve both traditional operations and transition initiatives are well-positioned. We help technology companies navigate both worlds, protecting their innovations while building commercial relationships with industry giants.
How We Help Oil & Gas Technology Companies
Operator Relationships
Navigate commercial relationships with major operators effectively.
- Master Service Agreement (MSA) review
- Pilot and testing agreement structures
- Indemnification and liability negotiation
IP Protection
Protect oilfield innovations while enabling commercial deployment.
- IP protection strategy (coordinating with patent counsel)
- Trade secret protection for processes
- Technology licensing with field-of-use restrictions
Joint Ventures & Partnerships
Structure relationships with industry partners and investors.
- Joint development agreements
- Strategic investment structures
- Technology commercialization partnerships
Energy Transition
Position for opportunities in the evolving energy landscape.
- Emissions reduction technology deployment
- Carbon capture project structures
- Hydrogen and renewable fuels opportunities
Frequently Asked Questions
What legal challenges do oil and gas technology companies face?
Oil and gas technology companies face challenges including navigating joint venture structures with operators, managing IP for oilfield technologies, compliance with environmental and export regulations, MSA negotiations with large operators, and positioning for the energy transition.
How do oil and gas companies structure technology partnerships?
Technology partnerships typically involve pilot agreements, technology licensing with field-of-use restrictions, joint development agreements, and service agreements. The key is protecting IP while enabling deployment with partners who have significant negotiating power. See our IP strategy services.
What is a Master Service Agreement (MSA) in oil and gas?
An MSA governs ongoing services or technology provision to an operator, including indemnification (often "knock-for-knock"), insurance requirements, HSE requirements, IP ownership, and liability caps. Operators typically use their standard form with limited negotiation room.
How are oil and gas companies adapting to the energy transition?
Companies are investing in emissions reduction, carbon capture, hydrogen, renewable fuels, and digital transformation. This creates opportunities for technology companies serving both traditional operations and transition initiatives. See our clean energy services for related work.
Oil & Gas Legal Analysis
Legal insights on permitting, transactions, and the energy transition for oil and gas companies.
Oil & Gas Permitting 2026
Federal permitting landscape and regulatory changes affecting oil and gas operations.
Energy TransitionOffshore Wind Litigation Watch
Legal developments in offshore energy projects relevant to energy transition strategies.
TransitionClean Energy Sprint
IRA safe harbor deadlines and opportunities for energy sector diversification.
Building Energy Technology?
Let's discuss your company's legal needs in the energy sector.
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