Baker Botts understands that the procurement and protection of intellectual property in the major world markets is of paramount importance to a technology company's longevity and prosperity in today's global marketplace. Our domestic multinational IP clients face the same fierce competitors at home and in Europe. In response to this marketplace reality, our firm, in addition to offering traditional domestic patent services, also offers integrated U.S./European Patent preparation and procurement.

Because our lawyers are familiar with our clients' technologies and with competing technologies due to their involvement in the U.S. patenting process, we are uniquely positioned to prepare and procure European patents. We are able to provide this service because we have licensed European patent attorneys in our firm alongside U.S. patent attorneys, and the two work closely together. In some instances, we can provide one dual U.S./EP licensed patent professional to handle both domestic and European patent preparation and procurement.

Our highly integrated patent practice offers clients consistent representation in both patent offices, which can be important in any subsequent litigation. Thanks to our licensed European patent attorneys and their experience with the the European Patent Office, we are able to defend our clients' patents in a European patent opposition proceeding or oppose a problematic European patent. Our unique combination of EP and U.S. patent attorneys also gives us the ability and flexibility to utilize European patent opposition proceedings in conjunction with U.S. litigation when such a strategy works in our clients' favor. 

Baker Botts' integrated U.S./EP patent practice approach, utilizing licensed EP patent attorneys and dual-qualified U.S./EP patent professionals, provides our clients an advantage over their competitors, especially when conflict arises simultaneously in the U.S. and in Europe. Our clients receive high quality litigation strategy advice that  complements both patent systems and ultimately increases the likelihood of success in both markets. Baker Botts continues to expand its integrated U.S./EP patent preparation and procurement capabilities to better serve our clients.