Aaron Cooper

Senior Vice President, Global Policy

Aaron Cooper serves as Senior Vice President, Global Policy. In this role, Cooper leads BSA’s global policy team and contributes to the advancement of BSA members’ policy priorities around the world that affect the development of emerging technologies, including data privacy, cybersecurity, AI regulation, data flows, and digital trade. He testifies before Congress and is a frequent speaker on data governance and other issues important to the software industry.

Cooper previously served as a Chief Counsel for Chairman Patrick Leahy on the US Senate Judiciary Committee, and as Legal Counsel to Senator Paul Sarbanes. Cooper came to BSA from Covington and Burling, where he was of counsel, providing strategic guidance and policy advice on a broad range of technology issues.

Cooper is a graduate of Princeton University and Vanderbilt Law School. He clerked for Judge Gerald Tjoflat on the US Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit.

Posts by Aaron Cooper

Seizing the Quantum Moment: A Policy Agenda for Global Leadership

Apr 13, 2026 in Cybersecurity

World Quantum Day is a moment to recognize scientific progress — but for policymakers, it should also serve as a call to action. Quantum computing is advancing quickly toward real-world deployment, with the potential to transform sectors ranging from energy and finance to health care and cybersecurity. The policy window is open now. Governments that … Read More >>

Why Patent Policy Matters for Innovation and Competition

Feb 10, 2026 in Artificial Intelligence

There is currently a major policy challenge to America’s leadership in artificial intelligence (AI) flying under the radar: patent policy. Read More >>

Balancing Innovation and Competition in Effective Patent Review

Jun 2, 2025 in Uncategorized

The Senate Judiciary Committee recently held a hearing on the nominee for the next Director of the US Patent and Trademark Office (PTO). The hearing comes at a time of increased focus on the process for having the PTO review patent claims to determine their validity, particularly through the inter partes review (IPR) process. The … Read More >>

Ready for AI: A Framework for AI Skills

May 12, 2025 in Artificial Intelligence

President Trump’s recent executive order covering artificial intelligence (AI) in education set in motion a new US government effort to build an AI-ready workforce and implement a strategy to promote the widespread adoption of AI across the US economy. Read More >>

How Policy Can Help Harness Quantum’s Full Potential

Apr 1, 2025 in Cybersecurity

Quantum computing is on the brink of becoming a reality that can transform industries and improve our lives in numerous ways. BSA highlights the critical need for strategic leadership to maximize the benefits of quantum. Read More >>