About Us

Nielsen IP is an intellectual property law firm located in Houston, Texas that specializes in patents and trademarks.
Since 2009, we have served clients located throughout the nation including public and private companies of various sizes and stages of growth. We also work with universities to advance and commercialize early-stage technologies, particularly in the pharmaceutical, chemical, medical device and biotech industries.

We have a deep understanding of the law and years of serving clients through our intellectual property investigations, opinion work and management of international patent and trademark portfolios. We are cognizant that our services are embedded in the promotion of the progress of science and new technology and protections granted for investments in it.

We believe that the depth of our legal experience is key in obtaining robust patent rights and makes a difference should the rights or scope of rights be challenged in the future. Because of our integrity, reliability, and adaptability, clients have entrusted us to manage significant worldwide patent and trademark portfolios. We communicate effectively and are persistent to accomplish goals and meet deadlines.

We can quickly spot issues and navigate through complex technologies. We assess risk from different viewpoints and organize, simplify, and prioritize issues uncovered in the process. With defined processes and established approaches, we can ensure an investigation is thorough and complete. We provide investigation reports and legal opinions that are straightforward and supported by facts and the current state of the law. With our legal assessment, the client can make informed business decisions.

For technology licenses, joint development endeavors and special projects, our firm frequently works in cooperation with corporate and business lawyers on transactional matters. We often act as advisors and contribute as an additional legal resource.

We are knowledgeable of the various proceedings available before the US Patent Office under the America Invents Act and can serve to challenge or defend the patentability of issued patents. We have appeared before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board in opposition and cancellation proceedings as well as before the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals. We respect our legal and ethical obligations as officers of the court, and the courts who resolve legal disputes.  We are keenly aware that our purpose is to help rectify a client’s legal challenges.

Memberships & Sponsorships

  • American Intellectual Property Law Association
  • American Chemical Society
  • BioHouston
  • Chicago Bar Association
  • Houston Intellectual Property Law Association
  • Intellectual Property Owners Association
  • University of Houston Institute for Intellectual Property & Information Law
  • University of Illinois Alumni Association

Carol Merritello Nielsen

Attorney at Law


Having practiced intellectual property law exclusively for over thirty years, Carol renders insight and sound judgement based on her wide range of legal experience.  Carol works with clients in different industries and has a special expertise in the pharmaceutical and chemical arts. She represents clients in all areas of intellectual property including procurement and defending intellectual property rights, licensing and enforcement.

Strategic procurement and enforcement of intellectual property rights can be complicated, yet extremely valuable to a successful business. Carol’s breadth of knowledge and experience in intellectual property law makes her a unique resource in a highly specialized field.

Robert D. Titus

Attorney at Law


Bob offers clients the advantage of his extensive experience working in the pharmaceutical industry as an intellectual property attorney and former research chemist. Well-versed in the many aspects of drug development and protection and enforcement of drug technologies, Bob is a leading expert on small molecule patent protections as well as due diligence investigations and licensing of drug products.

Technical Advisors & Legal Assistants

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