December 14, 2009

Naughton Introduces Awards Luncheon, Belvis Addresses Protection of Innovation

CHICAGO – James P. Naughton and Glen P. Belvis, attorneys with Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione, one of the largest intellectual property law firms in the country, were featured speakers at the Midwest Clean Tech Conference 2009, hosted by Global Midwest Alliance and held November 23-24 at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.

Brinks sponsored both the Monday and Tuesday conference luncheons and underwrote the cash prizes for the three winners of the conference’s annual Innovation Competition awards.

James P. Naughton, chair of the Green Tech Group at Brinks, introduced the speakers for the luncheon on Monday, November 23. A leading IP lawyer, Naughton focuses his practice on litigation, counseling and prosecution in all areas of intellectual property, with an emphasis on patent matters, licensing, and infringement and validity evaluations in the electrical and mechanical arts.

According to Naughton, “In addition to having a good idea, a good business plan, good management and funding, technology entrepreneurs also must have strong intellectual property protection.”

The first featured speaker at the Monday luncheon was Ori Sivan, Green Entrepreneur and Sustainability Consultant, Green Depot Chicago. Sivan discussed his company as a case study in “green entrepreneurship,” and noted the importance of product development, brand development and communication strategy. Sivan also highlighted the importance of IP protection to his company’s success in the green technology industry.

David Weisberg, Executive Director of the Friends of the Arava Institute for Environmental Studies, was the second speaker at the luncheon. Weisberg highlighted the Arava Institute’s role in promoting environmental innovation and preparing future Arab and Jewish leaders to cooperatively solve the Middle East's environmental challenges. He provided specific examples of green technology innovation at the Arava Institute and the importance of securing legal protection for these new technologies.

On Tuesday, November 24, Naughton and Brinks attorney Glen P. Belvis served as masters of ceremonies at the Innovation Competition awards luncheon, which recognizes developers of new technologies that address global environmental challenges. Then they presented cash prizes to the three winners.

“Legal protection of new technologies is the best way for an entrepreneur to claim the financial rewards that may result from their innovation,” said Belvis. “While not every new technology becomes commercially successful, those that do may generate significant financial returns that rightfully belong to the innovators and their investors.”

With 25 years of experience in intellectual property law, Belvis focuses on patent litigation, IP strategies and IP due diligence for venture capital investors. He has served as lead counsel in litigation relating to generic drugs, other patent and trade secret bench and jury trials, U.S. International Trade Commission proceedings, and multi-national patent litigation.

About Global Midwest Alliance
Global Midwest Alliance LLC is a not-for-profit organization that brings together key stakeholders in the Midwest to achieve sustainable economic growth in our business community. For more information, visit www.globalmidwestalliance.org.

About Midwest Clean Tech 2009
Midwest Clean Tech 2009, the Global Midwest Alliance's second annual clean technology conference, is a collaborative effort with the Economic Development Council; Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago; The Boeing Company; Bryan Cave LLP; UK Trade & Investment; the Canadian Consulate General in Chicago; Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione; University Technology Park at the Illinois Institute of Technology; Wexford Science +Technology; the Midwest Research University Network; Argonne National Laboratory; and other sponsors.

Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione is one of the largest intellectual property law firms in the United States and serves the intellectual property needs of clients around the world. Brinks has more than 180 attorneys, scientific advisors and patent agents who specialize in intellectual property litigation and all aspects of patent, trademark and copyright law. T he firm also advises on issues relating to intellectual asset management, trade secrets, unfair competition, and technology and licensing agreements. Brinks handles assignments for companies in the electrical, chemical and mechanical engineering sectors; the biotechnology, pharmaceutical and nanotechnology industries; and for companies whose work relates to Internet and computer technology law. Founded in 1917, Brinks is based in Chicago and has five additional offices across the country. More information is at usebrinks.com.