Baker Botts
Firm overview:
Baker Botts remains a heavyweight in US patent work, combining the reach of a global firm with the depth of a long-established technical practice. While its roots are firmly in the energy sector, the firm’s patent platform has evolved alongside its clients, with strong capability across life sciences, semiconductors, software, artificial intelligence (AI), telecommunications and advanced manufacturing. With offices across the Americas, Europe and the Middle East, Baker Botts continues to support patent portfolios and disputes that span multiple jurisdictions, while maintaining a particularly strong US footprint.
The firm’s patent practice is structured to support the full lifecycle of innovation. Patent attorneys work closely with litigators, appellate specialists and transactional lawyers to ensure patent strategies are aligned with enforcement risk, licensing objectives and broader commercial goals. This integrated approach is especially evident in matters involving standard-essential patents (SEPs), complex technology licensing and high-stakes litigation that later moves to the Federal Circuit.
Team overview:
Paul Ragusa, co-chair of the firm’s IP Transactions Practice Group, remains a key figure in the New York office, bridging patent litigation, licensing and complex IP transactions. Colleagues and clients alike note his responsiveness and ability to tackle challenges that span SEPs, cross-licensing and technical sectors from AI to semiconductor device fabrication. Beyond his firm practice, Ragusa serves in leadership roles in various major IP organisations, and is frequently invited to speak at industry events on patent-related topics.
Christa Brown-Sanford leads the Intellectual Property Practice Group, guiding strategy on patent procurement, portfolio development, licensing matters and litigation risk. Her experience spans a wide array of technologies, from semiconductors and telecommunications to AI and blockchain, allowing her to counsel clients on both high-tech innovation and core infrastructure technologies.
On the prosecution side, Samir Bhavsar and Sandra Lee co-lead the firm’s efforts to build, refine and manage global patent portfolios. Bhavsar is recognised for his ability to integrate prosecution with later enforcement and transactional considerations, while Lee’s focus on pharmaceuticals, chemicals, medical devices and consumer products strengthens the firm’s life sciences and regulated technology capability.
Daniel Hulseberg, who serves as the firm’s Life Sciences sector chair, advises on IP diligence, transactions, product development and prosecution strategy, particularly where regulatory complexity intersects with patent protection and commercialisation.
In litigation and appellate work, Doug Kubehl stands out as a seasoned trial lawyer with nearly three decades of experience handling complex patent disputes in courts across the US, as well as in Europe and Japan. Co-chair of the Patent Litigation department, Kubehl has conducted 200 patent cases and also has experience in negotiating complex technology agreements.
Michael Hawes, chair of the Federal Circuit Appellate Practice, brings deep experience in appeals and mandamus proceedings, and helps clients form strategies to address current IP disputes as well as protect them from future litigation.
Adding to this leadership cohort, Martin Bruehs joined Baker Botts as a partner in the Washington, DC office in late 2025, bringing more than 25 years of experience in life sciences, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, chemicals and medical devices. His practice spans patent portfolio development, freedom-to-operate work, licensing, validity and infringement opinions, post-grant proceedings and integrated IP strategy for both emerging companies and established global innovators.
Key matters:
- Liberty Energy v US Well Services
In this 2025 Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) administrative challenge, Baker Botts is involved on behalf of a petitioner seeking review of US patent claims.
- Manticore Fuels & Permian: global IPR victories
Baker Botts filed three inter partes review (IPR) petitions in 2023 on behalf of Manticore Fuels and Permian Global after they were sued for patent infringement. On February 26, 2025, the PTAB ruled all claims of the asserted patents unpatentable, and the corresponding federal court infringement suit remains stayed pending appeal.
Clients:
Abbott Diabetes Care, Autostore Technology, Bolt Financial, Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Coupa Software, Eaton Intelligent Power, DISH Network, Duke University, DXC Technology, 7-Eleven, Sanden, Sling TV, Supportiv, Textron, Upstart Network, Vochill, Manticore Fuels, Liberty Energy
