Baker Botts, a leader in the IP practice area in the United States, announced in recent days that Neil Coulson has joined the firm’s London office as special counsel in the IP practice.
Coulson has an established intellectual property practice which covers all aspects of IP dispute resolution and the exploitation of IP rights.
The addition of Coulson reflects the firm’s continuing international expansion of its IP practice. In 2010, Baker Botts added IP capabilities in its Moscow office by hiring Russian lawyer Ekaterina Tilling to manage a growing group of intellectual property lawyers in that office.
Baker Botts IP Department Chair Bart Showalter was quoted as saying in a press release at the firm’s website: “Neil’s practice is a perfect fit for us, not only in London but across all our offices. Client requests for strong legal counsel on complex IP issues in Europe and other international venues match Neil’s extensive experience in this key practice area.”
Coulson has provided counsel for clients in a broad range of industry sectors and technologies, including oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, industrial machinery and heavy engineering, agrochemicals, electronics, IT/software and environmental engineering. He has also represented clients in the Patent Court and the Court of Appeal, and in matters before the U.K. and European Patent offices.
Tony Higginson, Partner in Charge of the firm’s London office was quoted as saying: “During the past few months, we have added lawyers in London who are well-versed in major practice areas where there is increased client demand for our services. Neil follows our recent hiring of Neil Foster and the return of Mark Rowley, and we will continue to strengthen our team here to meet clients’ needs.”
Coulson was employed by Jones Day in London prior to joining Baker Botts. He was recommended for patent litigation in Chambers UK and Legal 500.
Coulson is a graduate of St. Peter’s College, Oxford University, and he received a diploma in Intellectual Property Law and Practice from Bristol University and diplomas in Legal Practice (with commendation) and Law from the College of Law. He is also a member of the Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys, the Institute of Trademark Attorneys and the International Trademark Association.
Bart Showalter’s practice includes all aspects of intellectual property law, with a special emphasis on patent litigation, procurement and licensing in the electronics, telecommunications and software fields. He provides strategic counsel to clients in a wide variety of areas, including those developing innovative computer software, semiconductor devices, optical systems, and data networks. He has litigated patent infringement cases involving landline and cellular telecommunications technology, video conferencing, interactive television, voice messaging and a number of other fields. He also provides general counseling on intellectual property issues.
International law firm Baker Botts has more than 725 lawyers and a network of 13 offices around the world. The firm is recognized as a leader in the energy, technology and life sciences sectors. Throughout the firm’s 170-year history, it has provided creative and effective legal solutions for clients while demonstrating an unrelenting commitment to excellence.