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Nixon Peabody LLP

Jeremy J. Wolk

Partner

Introduction

Jeremy Wolk’s practice encompasses various business and corporate law matters, with an emphasis on mergers and acquisitions, private equity and venture capital investments, commercial deals, strategic initiatives and intellectual property transactions. His clients range from IP-centric startups to Fortune 150 corporations, which he counsels on the purchase, sale, development and monetization of content and technology assets, as well as, information technology and business process outsourcing transactions.

Practice Areas

Mergers & Acquisitions and Corporate TransactionsIntellectual PropertyPrivate Equity & Investment FundsSecurities & Capital MarketsCorporate & FinanceNP Capital Connector® Emerging CompaniesVenture CapitalAviationIntellectual Property Transactions

Industries

Blockchain & Digital AssetsTechnology

My focus

I am a transactional attorney focusing on the acquisition, divestiture, commercialization and utilization of companies, assets and market offerings. While diverse in nature, my clients tend to have core assets that are based in intellectual property, many of whom I have advised though the trials, tribulations and triumphs inherent to such companies. Prior to joining NP, I was the senior vice president, deputy general counsel and corporate secretary of iVillage Inc., a public company listed on the NASDAQ National Market acquired by NBC Universal, Inc. for $600 million. My experience leading buy, sale and business venture processes provides a unique insight into such transactions.

Mergers and Acquisitions

I assist clients with buying and selling companies and assets. My industry experience is broad in scope and scale from small manufacturers, software developers and food purveyors to international wine distributors, aviation services companies and media businesses.

Licensing

I have vast experience in the inbound and outbound licensing of patents, trademarks and copyrights in many industries including software, media, information technology, renewable energy, biotech and emerging technology. Through legal mechanisms I assist these companies with maximizing monetization and protection of these IP assets. I also advise on the services that often accompany the creation, maintenance or enhancement of intellectual property assets.

Outsourcing/Privacy

I advise clients on global and domestic technology and service transactions to facilitate strategic initiatives, protect assets and avoid the pitfalls inherent to these transactions.  I regularly strategize, draft and negotiate agreements for classic information technology and business process outsourcing, cloud and “as-a-service” offerings, mergers, acquisitions and joint ventures.  As these transactions often include data security and privacy risks, I team with clients to design practical and legal protections. 

Commercial Transactions and General Counsel Activities

As a General Counsel of iVillage Inc. and NBC Universal, Inc., I spent seven years advising the company and its numerous foreign and domestic subsidiaries on day-to-day operational activities for their online, print and television offerings. As such, I have a unique understanding of the commercial activities and the demands of a general counsel and since joining NP have acted as external general counsel for clients with no legal department to assisting companies with legal departments the size of some law firms.

Equity Offerings and Financings

I represent a myriad of venture capitalists, private equity funds, financial institutions and issuers in securities offerings and financing activities. In addition to traditional debt and equity issuances and investments, I have advised IP-focused private equity funds with patent commercialization funding arrangements, international banks with commercial financings of film and television productions and major universities with venture investments.

Representative experience

  • Represented global information technology solutions and services company in acquisition of assets from major entertainment company and related transactional matters involving conversion of application suite to software-as-a-service offering to major movie and television studios
  • Represented leading grocery e-tailor in strategic transactions including services agreements for relaunch of online store and “bet-the-company” commercial agreements involving new automated warehouse management facility and systems
  • Represent prominent imaging technology company on all commercial aspects of development and worldwide launch of sharing economy offering
  • Advising Valaquenta Intellectual Properties Limited, a Bermuda company, in several intellectual property transactions, including sale of assets and patent license of foreign exchange trading platform to Gain Capital Holdings, Inc. (GCAP), including post-closing matters relating thereto
  • Represent a leading digital and social game publisher in corporate activities involving tender offer of foreign parent company
  • Represented exchange trading platform developer in implementation of monetization strategy and intellectual property transactions, including sale of assets and patent license of foreign exchange trading platform to Gain Capital Holdings, Inc. (GCAP)
  • Represented Bermuda intellectual property holding company in connection with its purchase of patents and assets from a prominent firm consisting of several investment funds and one of the largest patent portfolios
  • Represent an Austin-based private equity firm concentrated on intellectual property investments in the acquisition and licensing of portfolio assets
  • Represent leading professional print and online media company in development, strategic initiative and inbound and outbound licensing transactions
  • Represented global leader in business process and document management in licensing transactions and general corporate overflow matters
  • Represented leading French multi-platform interactive entertainment company in valuation and divestiture of IP portfolio assets
  • Represented leader in photography products in joint venture proposal with major semiconductor company
  • Represented BBA Aviation (BBA:LN), a global industry leader in aviation services, in its acquisition of the trade and assets of PLH Aviation Services and Dryden Air Services
  • Represented North American Partners in Anesthesia, the largest single specialty anesthesia management company in the United States, in the recapitalization of NAPA’s practice management company (Awarded 2011 ACG New York Champion’s Award for Healthcare & Life Sciences Deal of the Year)
  • Represented venture capital fund of major university in portfolio investments
  • Represented healthcare services firm in the sale of the assets of its mobile radiology division
  • Represented five of the eleven CapX 2020 utilities in closing the first of five contemplated joint venture transactions. CapX2020 is a joint initiative of eleven transmission-owning utilities in Minnesota and the surrounding region to expand the electric transmission grid to ensure continued reliable and affordable service.

Looking ahead

Cash flows from intellectual property will diversify as owners seek new methods to monetize core and under-utilized assets, private equity funds target IP portfolios as a new investment class and investors participate in the new Intellectual Property Exchange International. We will be ready to assist in traditional and novel ways for buying, selling and commercializing IP assets.

/Insights

  • Moderator, “Private Equity Investing Outlook: What is next for the Consumer Products & Services Industry,” Nixon Peabody Hot Topics in the Middle Market, March 2017

In the news

  • The Daily Record

    The Daily Record’s Power List for Intellectual Property 2023

    Corporate partner Jeremy Wolk and Intellectual Property partner Kristen Mollnow Walsh (both of Rochester) profiled for being honored as part of the publication’s 2023 Power List for Intellectual Property, recognizing Rochester-area attorneys for their work in the IP space.

    Sep 21, 2023
  • The American Lawyer

    Deal Watch: Private equity hits new heights

    This article on the surge in private equity deals includes NP for advising the owners of skin care brand Obagi in its $1.2 billion business combination agreement with Waldencast Acquisition Corp. and the spinoff of Obagi’s operations in China.

    The NP team was led by David Cheng, chair and managing partner of the firm's China and Asia-Pacific practice, and New York City Corporate partners Michael Smith and Richard Langan. The team that advised Obagi also included Chicago Corporate partner David Brown, Rochester Corporate partner Jeremy Wolk, Washington, DC Complex Commercial Disputes partner and Antitrust team leader Gordon Lang, and Washington, DC Corporate senior counsel Kenneth Silverberg. Other members of the team included Boston Corporate associate Anthony Bova and Chinese legal consultant Kelly Xiang.

    Nov 22, 2021
  • Bloomberg Law

    Four firms lead three-way SPAC to create new beauty platform

    This article covering a roughly $1.2 billion merger of skin care and beauty brands with a special purpose acquisition company mentions NP for advising the owners of skin care brand Obagi in its business combination agreement with Waldencast Acquisition Corp. and the spinoff of Obagi's operations in China.

    The NP team was led by David Cheng, chair and managing partner of the firm's China and Asia-Pacific practice, and New York City Corporate partners Michael Smith and Richard Langan. The team that advised Obagi also included Chicago Corporate partner David Brown, Rochester Corporate partner Jeremy Wolk, Washington, DC Complex Commercial Disputes partner and Antitrust team leader Gordon Lang, and Washington, DC Corporate senior counsel Kenneth Silverberg. Other members of the team included Boston Corporate associate Anthony Bova and Chinese legal consultant Kelly Xiang.

    Nov 18, 2021
  • The Daily Record

    2021 Intellectual Property Power List

    Rochester Corporate partner Jeremy Wolk has been named to the publication’s “Intellectual Property Power List.” The accolade includes a short Q&A article on Jeremy’s legal practice in the IP space, his community impact and involvement, and what he looks forward to doing as COVID-19 restrictions ease
    Oct 29, 2021
  • Rochester Business Journal

    Major ruling protects sexual orientation, gender identity

    Rochester Corporate partner Jeremy Wolk contributed this column on the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent determination—notably during Pride Month—that sexual orientation and gender identity are protected under federal law. The column was adapted from an NP alert by Rochester partner Stephanie Caffera, Providence office managing partner Andrew Prescott, Boston department attorney Aimee Bierman, and Long Island associate Christopher Moro, all of the Labor and Employment group.
    July 10, 2020
  • Rochester Business Journal

    Five steps businesses can take now to minimize coronavirus-related risk

    Rochester Corporate partner Jeremy Wolk contributed this column on how businesses can prepare now for legal implications of the coronavirus, putting themselves in a stronger position for long-term success. The column was adapted from an NP alert by Rochester Complex Commercial Disputes partners Carolyn Nussbaum and Rick McGuirk.
    June 12, 2020
  • Rochester Business Journal

    Peloton case an example of intellectual property rights of copyright owners

    Rochester Corporate partner Jeremy Wolk contributed this column analyzing a copyright dispute between home exercise giant Peloton and the National Music Publishers Association regarding the use of popular music in Peloton video workouts. This column was adapted from an NP alert by Los Angeles Intellectual Property partner Staci Riordan, New York City Complex Commercial Disputes partner Dan Schnapp, and associate Catherine Savio.
    March 20, 2020
  • Rochester Business Journal

    Coronavirus putting crimp on firms doing business in China

    Rochester Corporate partner Jeremy Wolk authored this column about how employers with business operations in China are responding to the coronavirus outbreak and related travel restrictions. The article is based on an alert by Hong Kong Corporate partner David Cheng, Los Angeles Labor and Employment partner Benjamin Kim, San Francisco Labor and Employment senior counsel Jeffrey Tanenbaum and associate Rachel Conn, and Director of Global Strategies David Kaufman
    Feb 21, 2020
  • Rochester Business Journal

    Keep up with laws developing to protect our consumer data

    In the latest installment of his monthly column, Rochester Corporate partner Jeremy Wolk analyzes state-level legislation aimed at enhancing consumer privacy rights and protections, similar to the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation. Rochester Corporate associate Jenny Holmes contributed to the column.
    Nov 15, 2019
  • Rochester Business Journal

    Your business may be liable for years-old website images

    Rochester Corporate partner Jeremy Wolk co-wrote this contributed article illustrating the need for website owners to be vigilant about the copyright status of images posted to their sites. This column is based on an alert by Boston Intellectual Property associate Troy Lieberman.
    Oct 11, 2019
  • Rochester Business Journal

    Expansive changes bolster protections for employees in New York State

    Rochester Corporate partner Jeremy Wolk co-wrote this contributed article on changes to employee protections in New York State, including new limitations on nondisclosure agreements and an increased window for filing harassment claims. The article is adapted from an alert by Long Island Labor and Employment partner Tara Daub Eyer and associate Justin Guilfoyle.
    Sep 20, 2019
  • Rochester Business Journal

    Cuomo advances 2019 Women’s Justice Agenda with new job laws

    Rochester Corporate partner Jeremy Wolk co-wrote this column on a pair of bills signed into law in New York that aim to curb pay discrimination due to gender or other differences.
    Aug 16, 2019
  • Rochester Business Journal

    Brunetti case attempts to further determine “unprotected speech”

    This column by Rochester Corporate partner Jeremy Wolk analyzes a recent Supreme Court decision on whether individuals have a First Amendment right to register federal trademarks of “obscene” words and phrases. The column is based on an NP Alert written by Intellectual Property partners Jeff Costellia, Jason Kravitz and Deanna Kunze, and associate Anthony Duncan.
    July 26, 2019
  • Rochester Business Journal

    U.S. releases new guidance on status of on-demand service providers

    Rochester Corporate partner Jeremy Wolk wrote this contributed article outlining new guidance from the Department of Labor on whether “gig economy” workers should be considered independent contractors or employees.
    June 28, 2019
  • Rochester Business Journal

    Websites open to the public must comply with the U.S. Disabilities Act

    Rochester Corporate partner Jeremy Wolk wrote this contributed article along with Labor and Employment counsel Todd Shinaman and associate Jeremy League describing the pertinent legal framework outline website owners’ obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
    April 6, 2019
  • Rochester Business Journal

    Patent office issues new guidance on patent applications

    Rochester Corporate partner Jeremy Wolk, with the help of Los Angeles Intellectual Property partner Jennifer Hayes and Washington, DC, Intellectual Property associates Anthony Duncan and Emily Sandhaus, authored this column the United States Patent and Trademark Office’s new guidance on software patent applications.
    Feb 22, 2019
  • Rochester Business Journal

    Facebook lawsuit underscores importance of transparent collection and use of data

    Rochester Corporate partner Jeremy Wolk wrote this contributed column analyzing a lawsuit filed against Facebook in Washington, DC, alleging violations of state-level consumer protection laws by the social media company. This article incorporates perspective from an alert written by Washington Complex Commercial Disputes associate Brian Donnelly, Rochester Corporate associate Jenny Holmes, and Los Angeles Government Investigations & White Collar Defense associate Karina Puttieva.
    Jan 25, 2019
  • Rochester Business Journal

    How should discharges to groundwater be regulated?

    Rochester Corporate partner Jeremy Wolk wrote this contributed column on recent cases involving the Clean Water Act and discharges to groundwater, drawing from an alert by San Francisco partner Alison Torbitt, Albany associate Dana Stanton and senior environmental health engineer Libby Ford, all of the Affordable Housing & Real Estate group.
    Nov 23, 2018
  • Rochester Business Journal

    How should discharges to groundwater be regulated?

    Rochester Corporate partner Jeremy Wolk wrote this contributed column on recent cases involving the Clean Water Act and discharges to groundwater, drawing from an alert by San Francisco partner Alison Torbitt, Albany associate Dana Stanton and senior environmental health engineer Libby Ford, all of the Affordable Housing & Real Estate group.
    Nov 23, 2018
  • Rochester Business Journal

    New immigration policy increases chances of removal proceedings

    Rochester Corporate partner Jeremy Wolk and Boston Corporate of counsel Jason Gerrol co-wrote this contributed article outlining recent changes to USCIS guidance that will impact removal proceedings for some immigrants.
    Aug 17, 2018
  • Rochester Business Journal

    SEC provides further guidance on when digital assets may be deemed securities

    Rochester Corporate partner Jeremy Wolk contributed this article detailing the SEC’s “important but nonbinding guidance on when a digital asset may be deemed a security.” The article draws from an alert written by New York City Corporate partner Dan McAvoy and Rochester Corporate associate Brian Becker.
    July 20, 2018
  • Rochester Business Journal

    European Union law on data protection takes effect

    Rochester corporate group partner Jeremy Wolk and associate Jenny Holmes co-wrote this contributed article on the introduction of the General Data Protection Regulation, “a set of tougher rules designed to give European Union citizens more control over their personal data.” The regulation applies to all organizations, regardless of location, that handle the personal data of EU citizens.
    June 8, 2018
  • Rochester Business Journal

    Cryptocurrency class action lawsuit alleges security violations

    Rochester private equity and investment funds partner Jeremy Wolk and Chicago commercial litigation associate Megha Shah authored this column about a recent class action lawsuit brought against cryptocurrency company NANO and its team, and the future implications the decision may have for Blockchain companies.
    May 11, 2018
  • Rochester Business Journal

    Things to consider before responding to online criticism

    Rochester private equity and investment partner Jeremy Wolk and Rochester commercial litigation associate Meghan McGuire contributed this column on the factors that public figures must consider before initiating a legal response to online criticism.
    April 20, 2018
  • Rochester Business Journal

    High Court Clarifies Corporate Whistleblower Laws

    Rochester private equity and investment funds partner Jeremy Wolk wrote this contributed article analyzing a Supreme Court ruling that clarifies federal protections for corporate whistleblowers, but may limit the incentive for employees to first report suspected misconduct internally.
    March 23, 2018
  • Rochester Business Journal

    Food And Beverage Industry Growing with Fresh Ideas

    Rochester private equity and investment funds partner Jeremy Wolk explains our firm’s  outlook on the food and beverage industry, including five trends he expects to see in 2018 and beyond. Several attorneys from the Food, Beverage and Agriculture team contributed information to the alert on which this article is based.
    Feb 16, 2018
  • Rochester Business Journal

    Initial Coin Offerings Getting Increased Scrutiny by SEC

    Rochester private equity and investment funds partner Jeremy Wolk and Rochester public company transactions associate Brian Becker wrote this column examining SEC issues surrounding ICOs (initial coin offerings).
    Jan 12, 2018
  • Rochester Business Journal

    How nation’s new tax law might affect charitable organizations

    Rochester private equity and investment funds partner Jeremy Wolk, M&A and corporate transactions counsel Anita Pelletier and Washington DC M&A and corporate transactions partner Mike Cooney authored this column about the impact of U.S. tax reform on nonprofits.
    Dec 15, 2017
  • Rochester Business Journal

    Getting one step ahead on matters of mobile accessibility

    Rochester private equity and investment funds partner Jeremy Wolk, Los Angeles health care partner Jill Gordon and Los Angeles labor and employment associate Mae Hau coauthored this contributed article on the explosion of mobile health applications and the potential accessibility issues.
    Nov 17, 2017
  • Rochester Business Journal

    Department of Education withdraws Obama-era Title IX Guidance

    Rochester private equity and investment funds partner Jeremy Wolk authored this column about the Department of Education’s recent decision to withdraw of Obama-era Title IX guidance.
    Oct 20, 2017
  • Rochester Business Journal

    S corp or C corp? Decisions pile up when creating a startup

    Rochester private equity and investment funds partner Jeremy Wolk authored this column on early-stage legal considerations for entrepreneurs and startups.
    Sep 22, 2017
  • Rochester Business Journal

    10th Circuit rules university is not liable in alleged rape case

    Rochester private equity and investment funds partner Jeremy Wolk and Providence commercial litigation counsel Steven Richard contributed this column about a Title IX lawsuit in which the plaintiff alleged deliberate indifference to her complaint by the university.
    July 28, 2017
  • Rochester Business Journal

    In first, N.Y.C. law governs business contracts with freelancers

    Rochester private equity and investment funds partner Jeremy Wolk authored this column about the “Freelance Isn’t Free” Act, which was passed by the New York City Council and is the country’s first payment protection measure for freelance workers/non-employees.

    June 16, 2017
  • Buffalo Law Journal

    Attorneys play critical role in startups

    Rochester private equity and investment funds partner Jeremy Wolk is quoted in this article about the critical role attorneys can have on the business team for startup companies.
    May 26, 2017
  • Rochester Business Journal

    Haze surrounds marijuana laws for HR professionals

    Rochester private equity and investment funds partner Jeremy Wolk and Long Island partner Chris Gegwich co-authored this article about employee protections in states that currently allow marijuana for medical purposes or recreational use.
    May 19, 2017
  • Rochester Business Journal

    Supreme Court decides how far patent laws can reach

    Rochester private equity and investment funds partner Jeremy Wolk, Washington DC IP counseling and transactions partner Jeff Costellia and Chicago IP counseling and transactions associate Angelo Christopher co-authored this column about a Supreme Court decision regarding the reach of U.S. patent rights for exported products.
    April 21, 2017
  • Rochester Business Journal

    Before acquiring a firm, check its cybersecurity setup

    Rochester private equity and investment funds partner Jeremy Wolk and labor and employment associate Jenny Holmes co-authored this column about cybersecurity due diligence.
    March 17, 2017
  • Rochester Business Journal

    New state measure amends Nonprofit Revitalization Act of 2013

    Rochester private equity and investment funds partner Jeremy Wolk, Washington DC nonprofit organizations partner Michael Cooney and Rochester nonprofit organizations counsel Anita Pelletier co-authored this column about updates to the Nonprofit Revitalization Act of 2013 and what New York nonprofits will need to do in order to comply.
    Feb 10, 2017
  • Rochester Business Journal

    No immunity from cyberattacks and data breaches in 2016 and beyond

    Rochester private equity and investment funds partner Jeremy Wolk and labor and employment associate Jenny Holmes co-authored this column about cyber security. The column provides an overview of the risks and potential legislative changes that could help small businesses and tips for creating a privacy policy.
    Jan 13, 2017
  • Rochester Business Journal

    Law Column

    Rochester private equity and investment funds partner Jeremy Wolk and San Francisco labor and employment associate Traci Bernard-Marks co-authored this article about impacts the Trump administration may have on labor and employment law.
    Dec 9, 2016
  • Rochester Business Journal

    Directors’ fiduciary duties come into focus at year-end

    Rochester Private Equity & Investment Funds partner Jeremy Wolk and M&A and Corporate Transactions associate Isaac Figueras authored this column about the fiduciary duties of boards of directors at year end.
    Nov 11, 2016
  • Rochester Business Journal

    Limited privacy of donor information in New York

    Rochester Private Equity & Investment Funds partner Jeremy Wolk and Washington DC M&A and Corporate Transactions partner Mike Cooney authored this column about privacy issues surrounding charitable donors in New York.
    Oct 17, 2016
  • Rochester Business Journal

    Supreme Court’s Short-handedness Limits its Functioning

    Rochester partners Jeremy Wolk and David Tennant authored this column discussing the impact of the vacant seat on the U.S. Supreme Court.
    Sep 23, 2016
  • Rochester Business Journal

    Cloud Computing Service Details Require Careful Negotiation

    Rochester private equity and investment funds partner Jeremy Wolk authored this column that discusses cloud service agreements.
    Aug 19, 2016
  • WROC-TV (CBS Rochester)

    Why Roc: Cloud Computing Risks

    Rochester Private Equity & Investment Funds partner Jeremy Wolk discusses the legal risks surrounding cloud computing.
    April 22, 2015
  • Democrat & Chronicle

    Diligence Key in Protecting Intellectual Property

    Rochester Private Equity & Investment Funds counsel Jeremy Wolk authored this column focused on protecting intellectual property assets through due diligence and learning how to maximize them for the future.
    March 5, 2014

Admitted to practice

New York

Education

Hofstra University School of Law, J.D.
Frank G. Zarb School of Business at Hofstra University, M.B.A., Banking & Finance
Ithaca College, B.S., Sport Management/Pre-Law

Professional activities

  • Board of Trustees and Secretary, Louis S. and Molly B. Wolk Foundation
  • President, Jewish Community Center of Greater Rochester New York
  • Treasurer, Executive Committee and Board of Directors of the Monroe Community College Foundation
  • Assistant Secretary, Greater Rochester Enterprise
  • Member, American, New York State and Monroe County Bar Associations

Recognition

  • Selected, through a peer-review survey, for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2025 in the fields of Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships), Corporate Law, Leveraged Buyouts and Private Equity Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law, and Venture Capital Law; listed since 2016
  • Recognized for exceptional standing in the legal community by Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business 2024 for Corporate/M&A (Upstate New York); also recognized in previous years
  • Recognized as the Best Lawyers 2024 Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships) “Lawyer of the Year” in Rochester, NY
  • Selected to the Upstate New York Super Lawyers list in 2013-2016 in the area of Business/Corporate, Mergers & Acquisitions, and Intellectual Property

Insights And Happenings

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Professionals in the Practice Area

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    Partner / Co-Leader, M&A and Corporate Transactions Team / Co-Leader, Cannabis Practice
    • Rochester
    • Office:+1 585.263.1236
      Mobile:+1 585.281.3076
    • lgreen@nixonpeabody.com
    Lori B. Green

  • Kevin M. Grant

    Partner / Co-Leader, M&A and Corporate Transactions Team
    • New York
    • Office:+1 212.940.3759
    • kgrant@nixonpeabody.com
    Kevin M. Grant

  • Todd Tidgewell

    Partner / Leader, Corporate Practice Group
    • Albany
    • Office:+1 518.427.2705
    • ttidgewell@nixonpeabody.com
    Todd Tidgewell

  • Christopher P. Keefe

    Partner / Chair, Business & Finance Department
    • Boston
    • Office:+1 617.345.1350
    • ckeefe@nixonpeabody.com
    Christopher P. Keefe

  • Amy O'Keefe

    Partner
    • Boston
    • Office:+1 617.345.1106
    • aokeefe@nixonpeabody.com
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