Baker Botts L.L.P. provides comprehensive support across the full lifecycle of intellectual property, specializing in the development, protection, and commercialization of proprietary technologies. The firm is adept at navigating the intersection of IP law and commercial transactions, frequently handling complex multiparty licensing, technology transfers, and international outsourcing agreements. Its expertise extends to high-stakes M&A, where the team conducts sophisticated IP due diligence for both acquirers and targets across various tech sectors. The practice is distinguished by its ability to translate technical innovation into maximized value for IP portfolios through strategic business counseling and litigation. The department is led by Dallas-based firm chair Christa Brown-Sanford, who is noted for her patent procurement and licensing expertise for clients including Cisco and Toyota. In New York, deputy chair Jennifer Tempesta and IP transactions co-chair Paul Ragusa are key contacts; Ragusa is particularly recognized for his work on standard-essential patents (SEPs). DC-based co-chair Luke Pedersen rounds out the leadership, focusing on emerging technology transfers.
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Key clients
- Cisco Systems, Inc.
- Royalty Pharma
- Columbia University
- Hewlett Packard Enterprises
- University of Pennsylvania
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
- FUJIFILM Cellular Dynamics, Inc. (FCDI)
- CMC Materials f/k/a Cabot Microelectronics Corporation
- Ericsson
- Genentech Inc
- Fathom5 Corporation
- Fermata Energy
- LG Electronics
- Lennox International
- Editas Medicine
- Danaher Ventures
- SonarSource
Work highlights
Served as Cisco’s primary outside counsel for patent licensing, strategic portfolio development, defensive patent analysis, and overall counselling and patent strategy for over 20 years.
Serving as counsel to HPE on global SEP/FRAND licensing issues, and the firm is leading strategic discussions regarding a current pre-litigation dispute matter involving a prolific patent owner in the WiFi 6 technical space.
Handling a wide variety of diligence and prosecution matters on behalf of Genetech, a leading biotechnology company and member of the Roche family of companies. Providing strategic advice concerning IP issues arising at each level of product development, from pre-clinical R&D through product launch and beyond.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Christa Brown-Sanford; Jennifer Tempesta; Luke Pedersen; Paul Ragusa