Taft’s Intellectual Property Litigation practice is recognized in the 11^th edition of “IAM Patent 1000 – The World’s Leading Patent Professionals,” with a bronze band for litigation in Illinois. Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences practice chair Stephen Auten and partner Richard Ruzich are both honored in the silver band for Individuals: litigation. Partner Gerald Helget is recognized in Minnesota for Individuals: prosecution. The guide is published annually by Intellectual Asset Management (IAM) magazine.

Taft’s IP group was described as a “SWAT team for life sciences companies and has a superlative track record spanning abbreviated new drug (ANDA) litigations in the triple digits.” Attorney Auten “knows the industry inside and out.” Ruzich is “an industry heavyweight with significant trial and appellate experience.”

The guide conducts intensive research and interviews to identify the top patent professionals and practices. Individuals qualify for the IAM Patent 1000 once they receive sufficient positive feedback from peers and clients with knowledge of their practice and the market within which they operate. See the full IAM Patent 1000 here.

Auten is a widely recognized and seasoned attorney in Hatch-Waxman and biosimilar matters, including related patent litigation, and is followed by key industry leaders (brand and generic alike), law firms, analysts, educators, and others on his LinkedIn blog “Hatch Waxman ANDA Litigation Forum,” which has more than 11,000 members worldwide. He currently represents clients primarily in the areas o Paragraph IV design strategies, Hatch-Waxman litigation, and biosimilar market opportunities.

Helget has been a licensed patent attorney for almost 40 years and focuses his practice in the areas of patents, trademarks, trade dress, licensing, intellectual property litigation, copyrights, trade secrets, and related matters. With extensive experience researching, preparing, and prosecuting patent, trademark and copyright applications, he has prosecuted to issuance more than 1,056 patents in the U.S. and has prosecuted over 620 trademark registrations. 

Ruzich is an internationally recognized patent attorney who focuses on complex patent litigation, representing generic pharmaceutical companies in ANDA litigation under the Hatch-Waxman statutory framework. An accomplished trial and appellate advocate, registered patent attorney, and frequent lecturer and author, he is known worldwide for his legal work on behalf of his generic clients, including biosimilar sponsors. His experience covers the entire lifecycle spectrum from product selection, Paragraph IV development and through to market entry, including at-risk launches.