Press Releases

CHICAGO - Michael P. Chu, an intellectual property attorney and a shareholder at Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione, has received the Filipino Community Service Award from the Asian American Coalition of Chicago (AACC), the firm announced today.

Chu was recognized along with other honorees at the AACC’s 27th Annual Lunar New Year Dinner Gala hosted by the Filipino American Community of Chicago on January 23, 2010. The annual dinner is the largest Asian American gathering in Chicago, attended by more than 1,200 leaders in Chicago communities, business and politics.

"Michael Chu is a highly respected attorney whose work in support of Asian Americans in the legal community exemplifies our commitment to diversity," said Brinks president Gary M. Ropski. "Brinks fully supports his work for the Asian American Coalition, and I am delighted for Michael."

Recognized in 2005 among “40 Illinois Attorneys Under 40 to Watch” by Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, Chu has played an active role in supporting Asian Americans in the field of law. He has held several leadership positions in the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA), including a term as president in 2004-2005, and has been president of the NAPABA Law Foundation since 2006 and a board member since 2001. Chu has also been a board member of the Asian American Bar Association of the Greater Chicago Area since 2003, and became a board member of the Chicago Committee on Minorities in Large Law Firms in 2009.

Chu also sits on the board of the Asian American Institute, an affiliate of the Asian American Justice Center. He is a member of Brinks’ Diversity Committee.

Chu's legal practice focuses on all aspects of patent law relating to mechanical arts, digital electronics and electro-mechanical arts, including litigation, opinions and prosecution. He has been recognized as an “Illinois Super Lawyer” for intellectual property litigation for the past five years, and was named a Leading Intellectual Property Lawyer in 2007 and 2009 by the peer-selected Leading Lawyers Network of Law Bulletin Publishing Company.

The recognition afforded Chu by AACC represents another in a series of awards to Brinks for its leadership in supporting diversity in the workplace. In 2009, the firm received the "Special Recognition for a Decade of Support Award" from the Asian American Bar Association of the Greater Chicago Area for the firm's long-time support of the organization. Also in 2009, Brinks received the Minority Corporate Counsel Association’s Thomas L. Sager Diversity Award, for demonstrating sustained commitment to creating a more diverse and inclusive legal profession and working environment. In 2008, Brinks was named to the Legal Department Diversity Honor Roll of client Cardinal Health, Inc.

Founded in 1984, the Asian American Coalition of Chicago represents more than 16 cultures. Its mission is to organize and promote equal opportunities in government, education, economic development and international affairs to advance the integration of all Asian Americans into the mainstream of society.

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. The firm also advises on issues relating to intellectual asset management, trade secret, unfair competition, and technology and licensing agreements. Brinks routinely 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. The firm’s trademark practice works on behalf of clients who deal in a wide variety of products and services. Founded in 1917, Brinks is based in Chicago and has five additional offices across the country, including its new office in Washington DC.