An extensive team of specialists oversee Baker Botts L.L.P.‘s collective, which is noted for its ’dedication to staying at the forefront of the legal landscape’. Christa Brown-Sanford, high-tech specialist Samir Bhavsar and Chad Walters at the Dallas office, life sciences specialist Sandra Lee and Jennifer Tempesta in the New York hub, and Eliot Williams who co-leads from Palo Alto. Walters and Williams are both on the PTAB board, while Lee and Bhavsar have a particular focus on the patent prosecution side of the practice. The team’s workload incorporates a notable number of PTAB trial cases, patent litigation cases, post-grant proceedings before the USPTO and portfolio management matters for its client roster which includes names such as Samsung, Mastercard and Bank of America. There is a range of IP expertise across the group and it is noted that ‘the team’s diversity contributes to a richness of perspectives’. The ’exceptional’ Matthew Avery in San Francisco is noteworthy for his ‘deep expertise in navigating the intricacies of patent prosecution’, while David Wu in Palo Alto has a particular focus on assisting research and development investment clients in complex cases.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Matthew and his team are a rare breed - it's a big law firm with the nimbleness to work with high-flying start-ups. I have a deep patent background, and I appreciate the combination of technical skills, client service, and business savvy value-add.’

  • ‘Matthew Avery is a skilled patent specialist. He and his team of patent agents are able to quickly grasp onto cutting-edge research and development, key differentiators, and do the majority of the heavy lifting.'

  • ‘The practice stands-out for several reasons. The practitioners within the team possess a profound understanding of IP laws and regulations, allowing them to navigate complex issues efficiently and effectively.'

  • 'Baker Botts has proven its dedication to staying at the forefront of the legal landscape. It had demonstrated great abilities managing patent prosecution with software, cyber security, and Web3. The team's diversity contributes to a richness of perspectives, ultimately benefiting clients. This diversity extends beyond demographics to encompass a diversity of thought and experience.'

  • 'Overall, Baker Botts offers clients a unique and comprehensive solution to patent prosecution needs. I am confident that potential clients considering Baker Botts for their patent prosecution matters will find a team that not only possesses exceptional legal expertise but also a commitment to innovation and client satisfaction.’

  • ‘Working with Matthew and his team has been an exceptional experience. Their standout qualities set them apart from competitors in the field of patent prosecution. One key aspect that distinguishes Matthew and his team is their unwavering commitment to excellence and attention-to-detail. The level of precision and thoroughness demonstrated in their work consistently exceeded my expectations.'

  • 'Matthew's deep expertise in navigating the intricacies of patent prosecution was evident in every interaction. Matthew’s leadership provided a strategic vision that guided our team to success. His ability to understand complex legal issues and communicate them clearly was invaluable. What truly sets Matthew apart is his responsiveness and proactive communication.'

  • 'I highly value the partnership with Matthew and his team. Their exceptional qualities make them a standout choice for anyone seeking unparalleled expertise in patent prosecution.’

Key clients

  • Genentech
  • Cisco Systems Inc.
  • Lyft Inc.
  • Bank of America
  • GrubHub Holdings Inc.
  • MasterCard International Incorporated
  • Columbia University
  • Motorola Solutions, Inc.
  • Fujifilm Holdings Corporation (and subsidiaries).
  • Draftkings
  • Penumbra
  • Samsung Electronics Co.
  • Lennox International
  • Brother Industries Ltd.
  • Eaton Corporation
  • Ericsson
  • Tile Inc.

Work highlights

  • Representing Ericsson in licensing negotiations that includes reviewing and presenting arguments on 60 Ericsson patents and 50 patents owned by a licensee.
  • Serving as Cisco’s primary outside counsel for patent licensing, strategic portfolio development, defensive patent analysis, and overall counselling and patent strategy.
  • Assisting with the development and management of Columbia University’s worldwide patent portfolio that is directed to a wide-range of physical and life sciences tech.

Lawyers

Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Christa Brown-Sanford, Jennifer Tempesta, Sandra Lee, Samir Bhavsar, Eliot Williams, Chad Walters

Other key lawyers

Matthew Avery, David Wu, Natalie Alfaro Gonzales