Press Releases

CHICAGO – Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione, one of the largest intellectual property law firms in the country, has been ranked in Band 1 of Illinois firms in the inaugural edition of World Trademark Review 1000 – The Definitive Guide to Trademark Legal Services. In addition, Brinks attorneys Jerome Gilson, David S. Fleming, Mary M. Squyres and Scott J. Slavick have been listed as top trademark practitioners.

World Trademark Review 1000 (WTR), the first and only stand-alone ranking publication to focus exclusively on trademark practices and practitioners, referred to Brinks’ trademark practice as “one of the deepest in Chicago” and lauded the firm as a “formidable competitor for a variety of work, including counseling, clearance, general transactional work and litigation.”

Jerome Gilson, recognized worldwide for his knowledge of trademark law, is ranked in the first tier of “Individuals – Contentious” in the rankings and was identified as “one of the industry’s true thinkers and most creative practitioners.” Mr. Gilson, who has specialized in trademark and unfair competition law for more than 45 years, is the original author of Gilson on Trademarks, which has become an authoritative reference on trademark law. He has helped some of the largest trademark owners in the world protect their brands.

David Fleming, who chairs Brinks’ Trademark Litigation Group, is ranked in WTR's first tier of “Individuals – Contentious.” WTR notes his representation of a high-profile Internet search engine and a leading tobacco company. Mr. Fleming has litigated all types of trademark and unfair competition cases in federal courts throughout the United States, as well as before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board and in Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy proceedings. His clients have included companies in various industries, including Internet technology, motion pictures, consumer products, franchising, financial services, telecommunications equipment and automotive manufacturing. Mr. Fleming is the co-author of Trademark Litigation Practice, which was published by BNA Books in January 2011.

Mary Squyres, chair of Brinks’ International Trademark Group, is ranked in the first tier of “Individuals – Non-Contentious” by WTR, which lauded her “amazing amount of knowledge about trademark processes in different countries” and her responsiveness to clients. Ms. Squyres' practice includes international trademark litigation, licensing and prosecution, including determination of international filing strategies, negotiating worldwide mutual co-existence agreements and effective enforcement strategies to defend marks and prevent infringements. She currently manages more than 15,000 active trademark files.

Brinks shareholder Scott J. Slavick, who focuses primarily on trademark prosecution and trademark litigation, is ranked in the second tier of “Individuals – Non-Contentious” by WTR, which referred to him as a “rising star” in trademarks. WTR noted client commentary stating that Mr. Slavick is “really responsive and business focused and provides excellent strategic advice.” Mr. Slavick maintains all aspects of his large corporate clients’ trademark portfolios, and has litigated in numerous federal courts and before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board. He has expanded his practice to include a growing emphasis on trade secret law with a focus on its use in connection with non-compete agreements, confidentiality agreements and restrictive covenants.

The WTR 1000 identifies firms and individuals that are setting the industry benchmark for trademark legal services. WTR’s research staff conducted hundreds of interviews with trademark specialists, both in private practice and in-house, in more than 50 key jurisdictions to identify and rank the firms and individuals to turn to for unparalleled trademark services when seeking local and international legal partners.

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. Brinks is based in Chicago and has offices in Ann Arbor, Mich., Indianapolis, Ind., Raleigh, N.C., Salt Lake City, Utah and Washington, DC. More information is available at www.usebrinks.com.