Press Releases
CHICAGO – For the eighth consecutive year, Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione has been named to the top tier among intellectual property law practices in Illinois, according to the 2010 Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business.
In addition, seven of the firm’s shareholders have been recognized as leading lawyers in their respective fields. Brinks attorneys receiving notable mention in the Chambers USA guide are Jerold A. Jacover, Roy E. Hofer, Jerome Gilson, Gary M. Ropski, Meredith Martin Addy, Ralph J. Gabric and Laura Beth Miller.
Chambers USA describes Brinks’ top-tier standing in Illinois as follows: “This large IP boutique of 180 attorneys is consistently singled out as one of the best firms in this field. It handles a wide range of IP issues, including patent, trademark and copyright matters. Sources say: ‘Brinks is the best IP boutique in Illinois. It does everything.’”
Jerold A. Jacover, a shareholder and the immediate past president of Brinks, is mentioned for his handling of “patent, copyright and unfair competition matters.” His practice includes experience in patent, copyright and unfair competition, including litigation and trials. He has successfully tried cases involving a wide variety of technologies.
Roy E. Hofer and Jerome Gilson were each ranked as a “Senior Statesman” by Chambers USA, a designation given to “a lawyer who no longer works hands-on with the same intensity but who, by virtue of close links with major clients, remains pivotal to the firm’s success.”
Roy Hofer has “more than 45 years of experience litigating patent and trade secret matters.” His Chambers USA profile states, “Although continuing to be involved in district court cases, he now devotes most of his time to Federal Circuit cases; being a mediator, arbitrator or special master; and rendering opinions on patent validity, infringement and litigation issues. He is also a consultant in patent, trademark and trade secret trials and appeals.”
Jerome Gilson, described by Chambers USA as "an expert in trademark law." He is widely recognized as the original author of Gilson on Trademarks, a leading treatise in the field and one frequently cited in court decisions. Gilson has helped some of the largest trademark owners in the world develop legal strategies to protect their brands, including Harvard University, Exxon Mobil Corp., Bayer AG, Coca-Cola, McDonald’s, Wm. Wrigley Jr. Co., United Airlines, Jockey, U.S. Steel and others.
Gary M. Ropski, president of Brinks, and Meredith Martin Addy, a Brinks shareholder and chair of the firm's Appellate Group, were both ranked in Band 1, the highest of the six Chambers USA individual rankings. Individual rankings are based on “technical legal ability, professional conduct, client service, commercial astuteness, diligence, commitment and other qualities most valued by the client.”
Gary Ropski is described as “overflowing with common sense” and “skilled in handling cases with a multijurisdictional element, especially those involving Germany.” He focuses on patent litigation and also counsels on patent and trademark protection matters. His practice includes patent, trademark and copyright litigation, as well as counseling and advisory work.
Meredith Martin Addy, who advanced one rank from last year’s listing, is noted by Chambers USA as being “a superb appellate lawyer who tends to concentrate on the technology and biotech industries. She is widely considered to be the fastest-rising star of the Illinois IP bar.”
Ralph J. Gabric, a shareholder in the firm’s Litigation Group, was also recognized in the Chambers USA individual rankings as "a meticulous, respected litigator." Gabric concentrates on patent and antitrust litigation.
Laura Beth Miller, a shareholder who leads Brinks' International Trade Commission (ITC) Group and has offices in Chicago and Washington D.C., “counsels and litigates in the technology sector on both ITC and biotech matters.” Miller is a litigator in the traditional areas of intellectual property including patent, trademark, unfair competition, trade secret and copyright law. In addition, she has extensive commercial litigation experience in contract, antitrust, product liability, RICO violations and bankruptcy.
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 170 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 D.C.
