Press Releases

CHICAGO – Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione, one of the largest intellectual property law firms in the U.S., is pleased to announce that Intelligent Generation LLC and Clean Urban Energy, the first and second place winners of the 2009 Brinks Innovation Competition held during the annual Midwest Clean Tech Conference, have been short-listed by judges for the Clean Energy Trust Clean Energy Challenge 2011.

Competition finalists are competing for prizes granted to top Illinois entrepreneurs, with a winner to be announced on March 2nd. In 2010, the Brinks Innovation Competition attracted entrants from across the Midwest, as well as applicants from Europe and India. “We are proud to have recognized and supported these companies in their early stages,” said Lawrence G. Almeda, a shareholder at Brinks and co-director of the 2011 Brinks Innovation Competition, “and we look forward to welcoming new innovators’ applications for the 2011 competition, which will be held at Midwest Clean Tech 2011 in September.”

The Brinks Innovation Competition, which is co-sponsored by Global Midwest Alliance and the Midwest Research University Network, is now in its third consecutive year. The competition is held in conjunction with the annual Midwest Clean Tech Conference, taking place this year on September 14, 2011, at the Federal Reserve Bank in Chicago. Midwest Clean Tech is a global platform for partnering and innovation in the clean tech sector, showcasing all stages of technology. The Brinks Innovation Competition helps companies that have breakthrough ideas in clean and green technologies to gain visibility and make connections with potential investors. Many of the entrants in the competition are emerging companies or start-up operations, and Brinks' competition encourages their innovation, prepares the companies to protect and market their ideas, and increases the visibility of their exciting ideas and technical solutions in the field of green technology. Additional information and the entry form for the 2011 Brinks Innovation Competition can be found at http://www.brinkshofer.com/news_events/2866-midwest-clean-tech-2011-brinks-innovation-competition.

About Global Midwest Alliance
The Global Midwest Alliance (GMA) is a not-for-profit organization that seeks to establish the Midwest as a globally-recognized leader in innovation and business growth by aligning and integrating existing scientific, financial and business resources. Through access to technology, global markets and capital, the Alliance assists trail-blazing Midwest companies and entrepreneurs to grow, develop new products and find customers throughout the world. The GMA is the only business-led, region-wide organization dedicated to opening global opportunities for Midwest companies. For more information, visit www.globalmidwestalliance.org.

About MRUN
The Midwest Research University Network (MRUN) is an alliance of university business development professionals dedicated to facilitating growth of technology spinout companies through start–up formation. MRUN provides a forum for universities, investors and entrepreneurs to work regionally in pursuit of local venture formation. More information about MRUN is available at www.mrun.us.

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 150 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 newest office in Washington D.C. More information is available at www.usebrinks.com.