Nanotechnology involves manipulation of objects and structures at the molecular and atomic level. How, though, does one legally protect something one-hundred or one-thousand times smaller than a speck of dust – something that the human eye cannot even see? Baker Botts understands the value and potential of nanotechnology in the twenty-first century. More importantly, we also understand how to procure, protect and defend intellectual property rights in nanotechnological innovations.

Long before Michael Crichton penned his thriller, Prey, or the United States Patent and Trademark Office defined a special classification for nanotechnology-based applications, Baker Botts' clients were developing inventions based on nanotechnology. Our lawyers combine skills in technology, business and law to respond to their clients' evolving needs to protect and enforce their inventions by developing nanotechnology experience in a wide-array of disciplines. Baker Botts lawyers focusing on nanotechnology are proficient in a broad range of scientific fields including chemistry, materials science, immunology, biochemistry, biophysics, physics and electrical engineering.

"Nanotech" is more than just a trendy catchword to us. We procure patent protection for our clients' nanotechnology inventions, as well as enforce the resultant patents. Baker Botts has represented clients' interests in procuring patent protection for inventions ranging from nanoparticles and nanotubes to fullerenes and nanofillers, for applications including therapeutics, drug delivery, imaging/diagnostics, bioengineerng, electronics and packaging materials. We also have taken the lead in successfully representing the plaintiff in the first-ever nanomedicine patent litigation.

As the market makes the big financial stakes that may turn on the smallest of objects clearer, Baker Botts lawyers bring a unique mix of talents and experience to bear on the challenge of protecting and maximizing value for players in the nanotechnology business.