Bautista is a partner in Taft’s Intellectual Property and Litigation Practice groups and a member of the firm’s Executive Committee. He is a trial lawyer who has extensive first-chair litigation and trial experience. Having a background in science, Bautista has litigated numerous cases throughout the United States involving trademarks, patents, copyrights and trade secrets.

In the 2026 guide, IAM/WTR writes, “Philip Bautista anchors the contentious side with a litigation-led practice that spans the full breadth of copyright disputes. He regularly represents clients in complex infringement actions alongside wider IP claims, bringing a trial-ready approach shaped by extensive courtroom experience. His work reflects a steady focus on protecting high-value content and resolving disputes decisively when they escalate.”

Bennett Ewald is an experienced intellectual property litigator and trademark copyright prosecutor. She has significant experience representing clients in state and federal courts nationwide, primarily in cases related to trademark and copyright infringement, false advertising, trade dress, and unfair competition, with a specific focus on franchisors. She regularly advises clients on brand enforcement issues and global brand management.

Debrow manages global trademark portfolios for a number of well-known brands and regularly advises clients on intellectual property in business transactions, including mergers and acquisitions. She has extensive experience advising clients on trademark registration, enforcement, and licensing. Debrow represents a wide range of businesses, from emerging entrepreneurial startups to Fortune 500 companies.

Polak serves as the firm’s Intellectual Property Chair and has represented clients in disputes involving trademarks, trade dress, copyrights, rights of publicity, trade secrets, and patents over the course of more than 30 years practicing law. He is truly a national litigator, having litigated in state and federal courts in 25 out of 50 American states and has represented all types of clients, including major corporations, closely-held companies, independent inventors, and celebrity estates.

In the 2026 guide, IAM/WTR writes, “Jonathan Polak is a steady hand in high-stakes disputes, stepping into matters where copyright, trademarks and commercial pressures collide. His practice is firmly litigation-led, with a track record of handling complex, multi-layered cases and pushing them toward clear outcomes.”

Wilcox’s practice encompasses the broad IP range of patents, trademarks, trade dress, copyrights, trade secrets, licensing, and litigation. She manages and enforces international trademark portfolios for major brands, including international clearance searches, legal opinions relating to trademark use and registrability, procurement of trademark registrations worldwide, design and implementation of worldwide trademark watches and enforcement strategies, portfolio audits, and U.S. and foreign trademark opposition and litigation proceedings.

In the 2026 guide, IAM/WTR writes, “Amanda Wilcox adds a strong commercial and digital edge, with a practice that blends copyright enforcement with broader brand and content strategy. She is particularly active in matters involving online infringement and content misuse, as well as advising clients on the protection of creative assets across digital platforms. Her work for major retailers and technology-driven businesses highlights a practical, solutions-oriented approach to safeguarding copyrighted material.”

Wright focuses her practice on trademark, copyright, and right of publicity law in the context of pursuing infringement entities on behalf of her clients, as well as managing global IP portfolios. She serves as co-chair of Taft’s French practice and advises French companies on intellectual property matters, including managing global trademark portfolios. Wright also provides full-service representation to her clients throughout the country in the entertainment industries related to music, film, theater, television, book publishing, games, and the visual arts.

In the 2026 guide, IAM/WTR writes, “Amy Wright brings energy and edge on the enforcement side. She is deeply involved in pursuing infringers and managing global portfolios for major brands, particularly in entertainment and consumer sectors, making sure her clients’ content is not just protected, but actively defended and leveraged.”