Michael Hawes

Michael Hawes is a Baker Botts partner who chairs the firm's Federal Circuit Appellate Practice Group. His practice concentrates on intellectual property appeals and litigation strategy, drawing on his experience as a former law clerk for the Honorable William C. Bryson of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. His technical background is in electrical engineering, and his case work has involved technologies ranging from telecommunications and network protocols to mechanical consumer products. He frequently writes and publishes analyses of precedential opinions from the Federal Circuit.

The provided case list shows three recent appearances on the plaintiff side for a single client, Bissell Inc. However, his broader practice includes extensive experience defending major operating companies in patent infringement suits, including multiple cases for AT&T. This suggests a practice that serves both patent holders and accused infringers, with a focus on established technology companies.

Mr. Hawes has represented Bissell in a significant dispute against Tineco concerning wet-dry surface cleaning devices, including an investigation before the International Trade Commission (ITC) and a subsequent appeal. In a precedential decision issued in May 2026, the Federal Circuit affirmed the ITC's import ban against Tineco's original products, while also affirming the commission's finding that redesigned products did not infringe. While his role in post-grant proceedings is not detailed in the available data, his appellate work includes handling appeals from the Patent Office.

Mr. Hawes earned his J.D., magna cum laude, from Harvard Law School and a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Rice University. He is admitted to the State Bar of Texas and is registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.