Baker Botts strengthens Houston patent practice

US law firm Baker Botts has expanded its Houston office with the addition of IP litigator Nicolas Barzoukas (pictured).

Barzoukas, who joins the firm as partner from Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP, specialises in patent litigation in the chemistry, electronics, biotechnology, medical devices, lasers and mechanical systems industries.

He has also counselled clients on IP enforcement, litigation strategy, freedom to operate, settlement negotiations and licensing, as well as directed prosecution matters where reexamination or reissue proceedings of asserted patents are involved.

“Nic adds considerable depth to our patent litigation practice, particularly with respect to the pharmaceutical industry, which is consistently confronted with multiple and complex legal challenges to the products produced for consumers,” said Baker Botts managing partner Andrew Baker.

“We are excited to have Nic join the firm and provide our clients dealing with these patent issues the type of high-level legal counsel expected of Baker Botts.”

Bart Showalter, chair of the IP department at Baker Botts, said: “Nic has developed a strong reputation during his career as a patent litigator who thoroughly understands the issues our clients face.”

Baker Botts has about 700 lawyers working in 15 offices around the world. Since the start of 2013, it has hired 18 partners in eight offices.