Press Releases

CHICAGO - For the fifth year in a row, Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione shares the top tier among intellectual property law firms in Illinois, according to Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business. Seven of the firm's shareholders have been recognized as leading lawyers in their field. The 2007 listing, released by Chambers USA, is the fifth edition of the survey. The seven Brinks attorneys receiving high recommendations in the guide are: Meredith Martin Addy, Ralph J. Gabric, Jerome Gilson, Roy E. Hofer, Jerold A. Jacover, Laura Beth Miller and Gary M. Ropski.

Chambers USA guide described Brinks as follows (emphasis in original): "With more than 130 attorneys in the Chicago office alone, this 'incredibly strong' firm is an 'excellent IP boutique with a broad and diverse practice.'" The guide continues: "The firm has almost 90 years' experience in the field, so clients expect - and get - a team of 'excellent trial lawyers who connect well with a jury and make complicated issues simple.'"

Meredith Martin Addy, a shareholder and chair of the firm's Appellate Group, is noted as "'well thought of in the IP community' where she is fast becoming 'a key figure, who knows the courts inside-out.' Particularly known for her appellate work and her experience on the federal circuit, Ms. Addy has experience litigating in the pharmaceutical, chemical and electrical spheres." Ms. Addy has also testified before a subcommittee of the United States House of Representatives on the state of the Federal Circuit and patent appeals.

Ralph J. Gabric, a shareholder in the firm's litigation practice, concentrates on patent and antitrust litigation. Chambers mentions that peers "think the world of" Mr. Gabric and cites his involvement in a significant automotive patent infringement case involving Honda and GM, among others. He also represents clients in the pharmaceutical, electronic trading, analytical instrumentation, chemical and food industries.

Jerome Gilson is a senior shareholder in the firm's trademark practice. According to Chambers, he "'deserves a unique spot at the top - he's fabulous.' He has an international reputation as the author of a treatise that is now a standard reference work in the trademark arena." Mr. Gilson has specialized in trademark and unfair competition law for almost 45 years and is the original author of Trademark Protection and Practice, recently re-named Gilson on Trademarks.

Roy E. Hofer is a senior shareholder and has more than 45 years of experience in the litigation of patent, trade secret, trade dress and related antitrust and contract matters. Chambers states that Hofer "inspires similar confidence from peers, who describe him as 'a giant' when it comes to litigation of patent, trade secret and trade dress issues."

Jerold A. Jacover, a shareholder and immediate past president of the firm, according to Chambers, is "'experienced and bright' and splits his practice between patent litigation and counseling, with a particular focus on medical products and devices." The guide points out Mr. Jacover's recent involvement in providing litigation counsel to Cook Medical and his participation on the team providing patent counsel to Cardinal Health.

Laura Beth Miller, a shareholder and chair of the firm's International Trade Commission Group, is mentioned as being "particularly knowledgeable in Internet-related issues, but has experience in the chemical and biotech industries as well. She litigates in the areas of patent, trademark, trade secret and copyright law and provides counsel on trademark clearance and use, antitrust and licensing issues."

Gary M. Ropski, president of Brinks, is singled out in the individual rankings as 'a fine gentleman with excellent trial skills.' The guide continues: "With over 30 years' experience, he has litigated in every federal circuit in the country...." Mr. Ropski's practice includes trademark, patent and copyright litigation, as well as counseling and advisory work.

Since 1990, Chambers and Partners, based in London, has published Chambers UK, a guide to the UK legal profession. Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business, published annually, was first introduced to the U.S. legal market in 2003 and 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 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 160 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.