Press Releases

CHICAGO – Intellectual property attorneys Meredith Martin Addy and Laura A. Lydigsen of Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione will participate in a panel discussion, "Rule 56: The Question of Inequitable Conduct," at the 8th Annual Federal Circuit Roundtable on April 7, 2011, at Loyola University Chicago School of Law, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

The annual event, which Brinks is cosponsoring with Loyola University Chicago School of Law, addresses current issues in patent law and is led by a panel of prominent Chicago-area practitioners who are former Federal Circuit clerks.

“We expect the en banc decision from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in Therasense, Inc., v. Becton, Dickinson & Co. any day now,” said Ms. Addy, chair of Brinks’ Appellate Group. “We anticipate an important ruling that may have a significant impact on patent litigation’s doctrine of inequitable conduct.”

Brinks shareholder Meredith Martin Addy served as a law clerk from 1997 to 1998 to the Hon. Paul R. Michel, former Chief Judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. She is a leading practitioner before the Federal Circuit and has focused on appeals litigation since 1997. Ms. Addy currently serves as one of 16 members on the Advisory Council for the Federal Circuit. She earned her J.D. at the University of Georgia and her L.L.M., with honors, in intellectual property at The John Marshall Law School.

Brinks attorney Laura A. Lydigsen served as law clerk to the Hon. Alvin A. Schall of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit from 2005 to 2006, and to the Hon. Ruben Castilo of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois in 2006. Her practice involves litigation and prosecution, with a focus on biotech, pharmaceuticals and medical devices. Ms. Lydigsen earned her J.D. at Washington University School of Law in St. Louis.

Jessica K. Fender of Schiff Hardin LLP, David McKone of Nixon Peabody LLP, Sasha Mayergoyz of Jones Day, Philip D. Segrest Jr. of Husch Blackwell LLP and Michael R. Weiner of Marshall Gerstein & Borun LLP will join Ms. Addy and Ms. Lydigsen at the roundtable.

The Federal Circuit Roundtable was inaugurated in 2004 to highlight issues related to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. It is organized and presented by former Federal Circuit law clerks whose unique, "behind-the-scenes" viewpoint—combined with their years of patent litigation experience—creates a different perspective.

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.