Press Releases

CHICAGO - Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione, one of the largest intellectual property firms in the U.S., sponsored its first annual "Wellness Week" from October 23-27, 2006, to promote health and fitness awareness within the firm. The schedule of daily programs focused on issues ranging from heart disease awareness, nutrition, prostate and testicular cancer, ovarian cancer to preventative health measures. Each luncheon seminar was presented by a distinguished healthcare industry professional and provided valuable information.

Gary M. Ropski, president of Brinks, was the driving force behind the firm's Wellness initiative. Mr. Ropski is an avid athlete and is committed to encouraging fitness and wellbeing throughout the firm.

"Our Wellness initiative at Brinks has been well-received by our employees," said Mr. Ropski. "We thank Cindy Pavinato, our Director of Human Resources, and the rest of the Human Resources staff who developed the week's informative and enlightening program. We look forward to hosting activities throughout the year that promote education and offer practical information on creating a balanced and healthy lifestyle."

Wellness Week presenters included:

Dr. Sandy Goldberg, C.N., Ph.D., a clinical nutritionist, NBC health reporter and host of the "Food for Thought" series. Dr. Goldberg won an Emmy in 2002 for her special, "One Woman's Story," about her struggle with breast cancer. She also founded A Silver Lining Foundation and its first program, the Chicagoland Cancer Information Coalition (CCIC), assembling the support and expertise of several highly regarded cancer advocacy groups and creating a partnership with the City of Chicago.

Dr. Gina L. Kring, Board Certified physician in Family Medicine and graduate of Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. Dr. Kring focuses on adolescent medicine, prenatal care, newborn care, and postpartum care at Rush University Family Physicians and makes home visits for disabled and elderly patients.

Fil Mendez Guipoco, Heart and Stroke Director at the American Heart Association and formerly the Program Director at the American Diabetes Association for Northern Illinois, who focuses his efforts on educating community members and health care providers on new developments in cardiovascular care.

Luann Anderson, Division Coordinator at the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition, who has served on the Coalition's Board of Directors for five years and now manages the Illinois Division of this worthwhile organization.

Tom Mansmith, Health Initiatives Manager, Workplace Solutions Division at the American Cancer Society.

In addition to the introduction of Wellness Week, Brinks provides weekly low-fat lunches, a monthly newsletter on health and nutritional issues, health risk assessment testing and marathon training, as well as organized group participation in local fitness-related activities. With the recent opening of additional space in its Chicago office, the firm also offers its own state-of-the-art fitness center open to all employees. The fitness center features free weights, elliptical steppers, treadmills, televisions with individual headphones and men's and women's locker rooms.

In September 2006, a team of Brinks attorneys and staff participated in the American Heart Association's 2006 Metro Chicago Heart Walk and raised more than $7,000.

Founded in 1917, Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione is based in Chicago with four additional offices across the country serving the intellectual property needs of clients from around the world. The firm is one of the largest IP law firms in the country, with more than 150 attorneys, scientific advisors and patent agents specializing in intellectual property litigation and all aspects of patent, trademark, copyright, trade secret, unfair competition, intellectual asset management, and technology and licensing agreements. Brinks routinely handles assignments in fields as diverse as electrical, chemical, mechanical, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, nanotechnology, Internet and computer technology, as well as in trademarks or brand names for a wide variety of products and services.