IP Litigation Lawyer Neil Coulson Joins Baker Botts in London

LONDON, November 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

- NEW SPECIAL COUNSEL CONTINUES EXPANSION INTERNATIONALLY OF FIRM'S IP PRACTICE

Neil Coulson, who has built a broad-based intellectual property practice covering all aspects of IP dispute resolution and the exploitation of IP rights, joined Baker Botts today as special counsel in the firm's London office.

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Coulson's joining the firm continues an international expansion of the firm's IP practice. Baker Botts added IP capabilities in its Moscow office in 2010 with the hiring of Russian lawyer Ekaterina Tilling to manage a growing group of intellectual property lawyers in that office. Baker Botts is a leader in the IP practice area in the United States.

"Neil's practice is a perfect fit for us, not only in London but across all our offices," said Baker Botts IP Department Chair Bart Showalter. "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 acted for clients in a wide 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 represented clients in the Patent Court and the Court of Appeal, and in matters before the U.K. and European Patent offices.

"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," said Tony Higginson, Partner in Charge of the firm's London office. "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 at Jones Day in London prior to joining Baker Botts. He was recommended for patent litigation in Chambers UK and Legal 500.

He 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 a member of the Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys, the Institute of Trademark Attorneys and the International Trademark Association.

About Baker Botts L.L.P.

Baker Botts is an international law firm with over 725 lawyers and a network of 13 offices around the globe. Based on our experience and knowledge of our clients' industries, we are recognized as a leading firm in the energy, technology and life sciences sectors. Throughout our 170-year history, we have provided creative and effective legal solutions for our clients while demonstrating an unrelenting commitment to excellence. For more information, please visit http://www.bakerbotts.com.