Baker Botts promotes AI and tech patent expert to chair

New chair of IP department has extensive experience in patent litigation.

Baker Botts has named the new chair of its IP department as Christa Brown-Sanford.

Brown-Sanford has been at the firm for 19 years, and previously held the position of co-chair of the IP department.

The new chair will be based in Dallas, Texas, and also serves on the firm’s executive committee and diversity and inclusion committee.

The firm also named two other female chairs for the corporate department and litigation department, Samantha Crispin and Bridget Moore.

Managing partner at Baker Botts, Danny David, commented on the appointments: “Each of these partners is a proven leader who has been instrumental in the success and momentum of Baker Botts.

“Christa, Samantha and Bridget are highly strategic, thoughtful and well-respected practitioners who will help us sharpen our differentiation in our key practice areas even further, and I am grateful for their leadership.”

Brown-Sanford provides guidance on patent portfolio development, patent litigation, and patent licensing, particularly involving telecommunications, blockchain, electronics, AI, semiconductors, software, personal mobility, and other tech.

She also assists companies in developing and managing their patent portfolios and generating revenue from their IP assets through licensing campings.

The new chair leads licensing efforts for companies while continuing to provide counsel and advice on patent litigation and enforcement cases.

Brown-Sanford has a background in electrical engineering and is an adjunct professor at SMU’s Dedman School of Law, where she teaches patent prosecution and patent litigation and enforcement courses.

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