USA Guide 2026 : Illinois
Ranked Individual
Provided by Taft
Taft’s team of Intellectual Property attorneys focuses on providing comprehensive legal strategies to support clients’ needs and goals. Our group consists of more than 75 attorneys, half of whom are registered to practice before the USPTO. We are well positioned with the experience and connections to protect our clients’ IP needs.
In addition to patent, trademark, and copyright protection and litigation, our IP attorneys advise clients on trade secret protection, unfair competition, false advertising and the right of publicity. We have experience representing clients across industries, including financial services, software development, manufacturing, specialty chemicals, security, automotive, entertainment and health care.
Our attorneys assist clients in a range of traditional and innovative IP matters, from drafting licensing and development agreements and handling disputes, to assisting individuals and institutions from early research through commercialization.
While we regularly guide clients through all stages of litigation, including appeals, the goal is always to avoid and resolve potential disputes before they reach that point or, at the very least, to achieve a successful result as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Provided by Chambers
Taft has a disputes-focused patent group with significant expertise in advising pharmaceutical and life sciences companies involved in high-stakes litigation. The firm offers considerable experience in Hatch-Waxman litigation and IPR proceedings.
Provided by Chambers
Taft acted for Apotex in various ANDA litigation cases.
Provided by Chambers
The Taft team demonstrates a strong understanding of our business priorities and commercial landscape.
Taft understands the technologies thoroughly and provides effective legal support.
Taft is very responsive and mindful of our internal policies and requests.
The Taft team is always available to meet and is readily accessible.
The team is honest, sincere and energetic with good understanding of the subject matter.
Provided by Chambers
Stephen Auten is the head of the pharmaceutical and life sciences litigation group at Taft. He routinely represents clients in patent disputes in the generic drugs space, including ANDA litigation.
We very much enjoy and rely on Stephen for his expertise and counsel. He is a trusted business partner for us.
Stephen stands out for his strategic foresight and ability to seamlessly integrate IP considerations with regulatory and commercial objectives.
Stephen is a great attorney and brings with him a wealth of experience and industry-savvy.
Stephen is rational, intelligent and highly versed in patent and regulatory law.
Intellectual Property
Provided by Taft
Richard Ruzich
Stephen R Auten
View profile of Stephen R Auten
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