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CHICAGO — For the third year in a row, Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione shares the top spot among intellectual property law firms in Illinois according to Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business and six of the firm’s shareholders have been recognized as the leading intellectual property lawyers in Illinois. The 2005-2006 listing just released by Chambers USA is the third annual edition of the guide. As in 2004, no other Illinois firm had more than two lawyers singled out for special mention in IP, as compared to six from Brinks. The six attorneys from Brinks appearing in the guide are: Ralph J. Gabric, Jerome Gilson, Roy E. Hofer, Jerold A. Jacover, Laura Beth Miller and Gary M. Ropski. 

Chambers USA Guide describes Brinks as follows: “Peers respect its quality across the board, particularly emphasizing strengths in patent litigation as well as trademark and copyright work.” 

“It is especially meaningful that these awards come directly from our colleagues,” said Jerold A. Jacover, president of Brinks. “We are proud of the collective skill demonstrated by our attorneys and to continue to be recognized as a leading Illinois intellectual property firm.” 

Ralph J. Gabric is a partner in the firm’s Litigation Practice who, according to the Guide, “continues to build a profile.” He focuses on patent, trade secrets, copyright, trademark and unfair competition litigation, counseling and prosecution. 

Jerome Gilson, called “preeminent” and a “big name” in the Guide, is a senior partner in the firm’s Trademark Practice. He has specialized in trademark and unfair competition law for more than 40 years and is the author of the acclaimed treatise Trademark Protection and Practice. 

Roy E. Hofer, described by the Guide as the firm’s “mainstay in litigation” and “a top trial lawyer,” is a partner in the firm’s Litigation Practice and has more than 40 years of experience in the litigation of patent, trade secret, trade dress and related antitrust and contract matters.

Jerold A. Jacover, called a “skilled litigator” in the Guide, is president of the firm and a partner in the firm’s Litigation Practice. His practice includes much experience in patent, copyright and unfair competition, including litigation and trials. 

Laura Beth Miller is a partner in the firm’s Litigation Practice. According to the Guide, she “impresses sources with her ability to play well in crowds.’” She has experience in a variety of Internet-related issues, as well as in traditional areas of intellectual property including patent, trademark, unfair competition, trade secret and copyright law. 

Gary M. Ropski, singled out in the Guide “for his adept handling of client relationships and for being a ‘confident litigator,’” is a partner in the firm’s Litigation Practice. His practice has included patent prosecution and litigation, trademark prosecution, including oppositions, and litigation, trade dress litigation, copyright registration and litigation, trade secret litigation, right of publicity counseling and litigation and related unfair competition and antitrust matters in federal and state courts. 

More about Chambers and Partners: 
Chambers and Partners, based in London, began as general book publishers in 1969. Since 1990, they have published the Chambers Guide to the UK legal profession. Chambers’ staff of full-time researchers now prepares renowned directories which assess and rank the world’s leading lawyers according to their reputations amongst peers and clients. The USA Guide was first introduced in 2003. The third annual Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business is based on in-depth interviews with leading private practice attorneys and key in-house counsel. For more information about Chambers and Partners, visit www.chambersandpartners.com. 

Founded in 1917, Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione is based in Chicago with four other offices across the country and serves the intellectual property needs of clients from around the world. The firm is one of the largest IP law firms in the country, with approximately 150 attorneys who specialize in intellectual property litigation and all aspects of patent, trademark, copyright, trade secret and Internet work, unfair competition, and technology and licensing agreements.