Nicolas Barzoukas, widely recognized as a leading lawyer on patent litigation in the pharmaceutical field and in industries related to chemistry, electronics, biotechnology, medical devices, lasers and mechanical systems, joined Baker Botts L.L.P. today as a partner in the firm’s Houston office.

Barzoukas’ representations in Hatch-Waxman Act patent infringement suits have resulted in the protection of the franchises for major pharmaceutical products, such as FOSAMAX®, FOSAMAX® OW, VASOTEC®, PEPCID®, ACTONEL®, SINGULAIR®, TEMODAR® and VIOXX®. In addition, Barzoukas successfully challenged the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s rule denying the application of Hatch-Waxman Act patent term restoration to patents receiving a new, 20-year, patent term established by the Uruguay Round Agreements Act.

“Nic adds considerable depth to our patent litigation practice, particularly with respect to the pharmaceutical industry, which is consistently confronted with multiple and complex legal challenges to the products produced for consumers,” said Baker Botts Managing Partner Andrew Baker. “We are excited to have Nic join the firm and provide our clients dealing with these patent issues the type of high-level legal counsel expected of Baker Botts.”

Barzoukas’ practice also includes counseling clients on intellectual property enforcement matters, defensive and offensive litigation strategy, freedom to operate, settlement negotiations and licensing. In addition, he also directed complex prosecution matters involving the reexamination or reissue proceedings of asserted patents.

“Nic has developed a strong reputation during his career as a patent litigator who thoroughly understands the issues our clients face,” said Bart Showalter, Chair of the Intellectual Property Department at Baker Botts. “Adding Nic to our team of skilled IP litigators demonstrates our continued commitment to bringing talented lawyers to our firm in order to meet our clients’ calls for counsel on these types of issues.”

Along with his proven track record of successfully representing major clients, Barzoukas has been recognized in Chambers USA – America’s Leading Lawyers for Business from 2005 – 2013 in the field of Patent Litigation in Texas. He recently received a silver ranking for patent litigation in Texas by IAM Patent 1000 – The World’s Leading Patent Practitioners 2013 and was named a Local Litigation Star for Intellectual Property in Texas by Benchmark Litigation 2013.

Prior to joining Baker Botts, Barzoukas was a partner at Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP. He earned his law degree from The University of Texas School of Law. He also holds a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Bachelor or Science from Baylor University.

With Barzoukas joining the firm, Baker Botts further demonstrates its commitment to growth　across　key areas of practice. Since the beginning of this year, the　firm has brought on 18 lateral partners in eight offices. This includes the recent addition of leading EU litigator Georg Berrisch in Brussels and eight partners in the Middle East, along with US-based lawyers in Dallas, Houston, New York and Washington offices. The firm continues to bolster its position by attracting top legal talent across a range of practices and providing the highest quality of legal representation worldwide.

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