Ian Hurst is an intellectual property strategist and litigator. He advises life sciences and technology companies in high-stakes IP disputes involving biotechnologies, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices, as well as computer-related technologies such as hardware, software, and artificial intelligence. Ian has experience with competitor disputes and brand-versus-generic litigation as both a patent challenger and defender. He guides clients from early commercial and IP diligence, including freedom-to-operate assessments and launch strategy, through every stage of litigation and appeal.
Many of Ian's matters involve complex proceedings, often with dozens of patents across multiple domestic and international forums, and arise under intricate statutory frameworks, such as the Hatch-Waxman Act and Biologics Price Competition and Innovation Act (BPCIA). Most recently, he advised a global biotechnology company in a multidistrict litigation against 11 biosimilar applicants, involving coordination with foreign counsel on parallel international actions and leading reference products Prolia® and Xgeva®. Ian previously advised the same company in a patent infringement action involving preliminary injunction proceedings, and the launch of the first biosimilar to Stelara®, a blockbuster biologic with annual sales of roughly $10 billion.
Ian has significant academic and industry experience in the biomedical sciences. He previously worked with a consulting firm advising global pharmaceutical companies on research and development, a basic science lab investigating novel small-molecule therapeutics, and a health technology group directing clinical trials. Ian's research has been presented at national conferences and published in leading academic journals, including New England Journal of Medicine Catalyst, ACS Chemical Neuroscience, and Alzheimer’s Research & Therapy.
In his spare time, Ian enjoys golf, poker, and distance running, as well as spending time with his wife and family.
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