Osborn Maledon PA

30 Best Lawyers awards

Osborn Maledon PA logo

Awarded Practice Areas

Corporate Law

Biography

Jonathan is an inimitable advocate for Arizona’s growth-oriented startup community, acting as both legal counsel and trusted advisor to emerging entrepreneurs. Before graduating Rutgers University of Law, Jonathan worked as an electrical engineer providing internet security and infrastructure consulting services for companies like Accenture, Tosco, Phillips Petroleum Company, and ConocoPhillips. Jonathan’s unique experience as a seasoned information technology specialist and in-house legal counsel gives him unparalleled perspective when assisting clients.

The bulk of Jonathan’s practice includes acting as outside general counsel to early-stage growth companies, who often bring him on board early in their business’ life cycle. He is well-versed in early-stage financings involving both convertible and equity securities. He routinely represents companies in business transactions and corporate governance matters, including mergers and acquisitions, venture capital, debt, and private equity financings, and securities offerings. A licensed patent attorney, Jonathan also focuses on intellectual property and technology-related matters such as licensing, distribution, procurement, and trademark prosecution and protection.

Jonathan is an active member of the local startup community. He has served as a two-time Chairman of Invest Southwest and Venture Madness, and has also taught business law courses. Jonathan has been recognized for his work in Corporate Law by Best Lawyers® and was named one of America’s Leading Lawyers for Business by Chambers on numerous occasions.

Osborn Maledon PA

30 Best Lawyers awards

Osborn Maledon PA logo

Overview

  • Rutgers University–Newark, J.D., graduated 1999
  • Cornell University, BS, graduated 1993

  • Arizona, State Bar of Arizona

  • Arizona Supreme Court
  • U.S. District Court, District of Arizona
  • United States Patent and Trademark Office
  • Arizona, State Bar of Arizona
  • Rutgers University–Newark, J.D., graduated 1999
  • Cornell University, BS, graduated 1993
  • Arizona Supreme Court
  • U.S. District Court, District of Arizona
  • United States Patent and Trademark Office

Client Testimonials

Jonathan has done an amazing job for us. He has our highest recommendation. Always on point with his advice and very responsive. Very intelligent and understands the business side of issues as well.

Steve Krell (Uproar Ventures, LLC & iMemories)

Working with Jonathan Ariano is one of the most important business decisions I've ever made. Because of Jonathan's experience, expertise, and ethics, I can rest assured that we are protected. Jonathan's ability to translate legal agreements, possible pitfalls, and opportunities into language that effects our business has made a huge difference in our daily work and strategic planning.

Bobette Gorden (Influence At Work)

Tempe, AZ

We've been working with Jonathan Ariano for 20 - 25 years. He brings enormous experience and expertise. We have an unusual type of business. And we do business all over the world. Jonathan has been there to advise and protect us through many different (and sometimes strange) circumstances. Jonathan is especially good at translating the legal language and possible implications of each questionable situation we could be facing. Knowing we have Jonathan Ariano in our corner allows us to focus on the business because we know Jonathan will take care of our legal issues. When clients talk to their attorney, they often have an uneasy feeling. When we talk to Jonathan, we always feel a sense of relief.

Bobette Gorden (Influence At Work)

Tempe, AZ

Mr. Ariano has represented no less than four different companies with which I am involved. In each company, he has served as our outside general counsel, providing not only day-to-day license, contracting and corporate support, but also solid strategic advice. Each of the entities relies upon Mr. Ariano for nearly all of their U.S. contracting, license, and other legal work. Mr. Ariano takes the time to understand each business, their products, and services and their goals. He brings a very pragmatic approach to negotiating deals, focusing on those issues that are critical to the business in an efficient and expedited manner.

Jonathan Ariano's level of expertise, accessibility, availability, and timeliness in responding are outstanding. I have found him to be an intelligent, knowledgeable, fair, and a results-oriented partner in all dealings I have had with him during our multiple year engagement with the firm. His analytical skills, experience, and his ability to break down complex problems and provide fast solutions are unique. On top of that Jonathan is a pleasant person with a very positive attitude which makes working with him and his team an excellent experience.

Udo Eberlein (Gridiron Software, Inc.)

Encino, CA

From the beginning of our relationship, Jonathan Ariano has integrated himself as a key member of our management team and acts as our "protector" in doing so. He approaches every situation as if it was directly affecting him personally as if he was the owner of the company and then provides counsel from that base. He is committed to building long-term mutually beneficial relationships with his clients and truly cares about their wellbeing, both personally and professionally. I would highly recommend Jonathan Ariano as a best of the best!

Jonathan Ariano has a broad base of knowledge and experience that he applies to the various areas in which he practices (Copyright Law, Corporate Law, Information Technology Law, Technology Law and Trademark Law). Jonathan is a unique talent in the Arizona legal market. He has an electrical engineering degree, he is a former IT consultant at a major international consulting firm, he is a former IT Manager at a large oil and gas company, and he has passed the U.S. Patent Bar exam. Notwithstanding the foregoing, he has a great personality and is a pleasure to work with. His strong work ethic is unmatched. I would not hesitate to recommend his services.

Jonathan is a first-class attorney who is a strategic thinker and a key resource for our company. His approach, knowledge, and ability to understand all aspects of an issue from the technical details to the political landscapes in a situation have provided great value when crafting agreements. I highly recommend Jonathan and the Osborn Maledon team.

Mr. Ariano represents different companies with which I am involved. He serves the role of outside general counsel for our various U.S. operations, involving not only day-to-day license and contracting and corporate support, but also solid strategic advice. Mr. Ariano proves himself very responsive even in situations where timelines are short and responses are needed promptly. Given that many of the companies are based out of Germany, Mr. Ariano adjusts his schedule so as to overlap with the German workday. Mr. Ariano takes the time to understand each business, their products and services, and their goals. He brings a very pragmatic approach to negotiating deals, focusing on those issues that are critical to the business in an efficient and expedited manner.

Awards & Focus

Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2023 - Corporate Law
Named "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers® for:
  • Corporate Law, Phoenix (2023)
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2026 for work in:
  • Corporate Law
Additional Areas of Practice:
  • Mergers and Acquisitions Law
  • Privacy and Data Security Law
  • Copyright Law
  • Patent Law
  • Trademark Law
  • Securities / Capital Markets Law
Awards:
  • Southwest Super Lawyers, Business/Corporate, 2025

  • Chambers USA, “America’s Leading Lawyers for Business”, Corporate/M&A, 2006-2009; 2015-2025

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