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CHICAGO – Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione, one of the nation's largest intellectual property law firms, is now accepting applications for the 4th Annual Brinks Innovation Competition, to be held on September 12 at McCormick Place in Chicago in conjunction with Midwest Clean Tech 2012 and the International Manufacturing Technology Show. Applications for this year's Competition are due by June 29, 2012.

The Brinks Innovation Competition has become a preeminent venue for entrepreneurs with new green products or services to present venture-ready business plans to an audience of venture capitalists, entrepreneurs, business consultants and corporate representatives. Applicants are competing not only for cash awards, but also for the opportunity to gain exposure, network with potential investors and business partners, and have their ideas become reality. Submissions are judged by a panel of experts representing regional universities, venture capitalists and clean tech business executives.

“The Brinks Innovation Competition recognizes promising new concepts in clean and green technology and, equally important, gives these innovators the chance to meet and network with others who may provide business, technical or financial support to their young companies,” said James P. Naughton, a shareholder at Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione and co-chair of the Brinks Innovation Competition. “Worthwhile ideas need a lot of support to protect and monetize the intellectual property these ideas represent as products move to market."

The Brinks Innovation Competition is sponsored by Brinks and the Midwest Research University Network and will again be part of the annual Midwest Clean Tech conference, presented by the Global Midwest Alliance. Midwest Clean Tech 2012 will be held in conjunction with the International Manufacturing Technology Show at McCormick Place.

Entries in the Brinks Innovation Competition must provide solutions to global challenges in such areas as environmental technologies, renewable and alternative energy, infrastructure and community, green building science, or related fields, and must offer competitive returns for investors. Products, services and processes eligible for entry should improve and promote the productive and responsible use of natural resources, reduce or eliminate negative ecological impact, and provide superior performance at a lower cost than alternatives. Applicants should also have a sound, venture-ready business plan and, ideally, will have already completed an initial or angel round of funding.

The top five competition finalists will be invited to present their technologies at Midwest Clean Tech 2012 before an international audience of early-stage investors, researchers, entrepreneurs, clean tech-focused venture capitalists and financiers, and corporate R&D and business development executives. All finalists receive recognition in conference print materials and at the event website. All competition applicants, however, will have the opportunity to display information about their technology in exhibitor space at the conference venue.

To learn more and to download an application, visit: http://midwestcleantech2012.com or http://www.brinkshofer.com/innovation.

Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione
Brinks has over 140 attorneys, scientific advisors and patent agents who specialize in intellectual property, making it one of the largest intellectual property law firms in the U.S. Clients around the world use Brinks to help them identify, protect, manage and enforce their intellectual property. Brinks lawyers provide expertise in all aspects of patent, trademark, unfair competition, trade secret and copyright law. The Brinks team includes lawyers with bachelors and advanced degrees in all fields of technology and science. Brinks has offices in Chicago, Washington, D.C., Research Triangle Park, Salt Lake City, Ann Arbor and Indianapolis. More information is available at www.usebrinks.com.