Taft’s Intellectual Property (IP) Litigation practice is listed in the fourth edition of IAM Patent 1000 – The World’s Leading Patent Professionals, published by Intellectual Asset Management (IAM). In addition, Taft IP partners Stephen Auten and Richard T. Ruzich are recognized as World’s Leading Patent Practitioners.

The guide follows an extensive research process and identifies the top patent professionals in key jurisdictions around the globe. Individuals qualify for a listing in the IAM Patent 1000 when they receive sufficient positive feedback from peers and clients with knowledge of their practice and the market within which they operate. Firms qualify for a listing on the basis of their depth of expertise, market presence and the level of work on which they are typically engaged.

Auten is head of Taft's Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences Litigation practice. He 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 6,000 members worldwide. He currently represents clients primarily in the areas of Paragraph IV design strategies, Hatch-Waxman litigation and biosimilar market opportunities.

Ruzich is an internationally recognized patent attorney who focuses on complex patent litigation, representing generic pharmaceutical companies in Abbreviated New Drug Application (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 biosimilars sponsors. His experience covers the entire lifecycle spectrum from product selection, Paragraph IV development and through to market entry, including at-risk launches.