Syracuse University College of Law alumni are putting their legal training to work at the forefront of Artificial Intelligence (AI) across various industries, combining law with other expertise to drive real impact.
Pete Su L’94
Vice President and General Counsel, Moley Robotics; Expert in AI Robotics and patent strategy; Former Partner at Silicon Valley office of Dentons U.S.; Practiced intellectual property law at Fenwick & West; Co-chair of San Francisco Regional Council of Syracuse University; IAM Strategy 300 Global Leaders • IAM Strategy 300 • Design Engineer at AMD
While a partner at the Silicon Valley office of Dentons U.S., Pete Su L’94 represented and incorporated Moley Robotics, a London-based company developing the world’s first fully-automated robotic kitchens with AI models that prepare a variety of gourmet dishes. He now serves as the company’s general counsel.
Su was a design engineer at AMD in Silicon Valley before studying at Syracuse Law in its Law, Technology and Management Program (now known as the Innovation Law Center). Since graduating, he has been advising emerging technology companies in Silicon Valley and venture funds.
Ten years ago, robots were mostly limited to niche areas such as automobiles, space exploration, and toys, with relatively small markets and little venture capital interest,” he says. “The world has changed dramatically in just the three years with the explosion of physical AI.”
“While working with the founder of Moley Robotics on patent strategy, I had a eureka moment: this could be an ‘iPhone moment,’ similar to when Steve Jobs and Apple filed their first smartphone patent,” he says. “Since 2014, we have developed and continue to build an industry-leading robotic patent portfolio.”
As a member of the general counsel community within L Suite—an executive peer network from both public and private companies—he has hosted roundtables with major law firms and corporations on AI governance for boards of directors.
Advice to law students: “In the age of AI, I encourage law students to develop and adapt knowledge in emerging multidisciplinary fields to add value beyond rapidly advancing AI models and tools.” Su says.