Press Releases

CHICAGO - Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione, one of the largest intellectual property law firms in the United States, is pleased to announce that John T. Gabrielides, a shareholder in the firm's Chicago office, has been named chair of the firm's Anti-Counterfeiting Group.

"The continued importance of global trade, combined with the critical value companies place on their source-identifying trademarks, makes counterfeiting a fertile area for confusion and a serious issue that can compromise a company's trademark rights," said Mr. Gabrielides. "Brinks' establishment of this group, which has within its ranks dozens of lawyers who are dedicated to trademark-related matters, reflects the firm's commitment to serve all aspects of our clients' needs with outstanding results and in a cost-effective manner."

The Anti-Counterfeiting Group assists firm clients in identifying, seizing and destroying counterfeit goods, including directing the preliminary investigation, gathering and packaging the relevant evidence, making application in federal court for an ex parte seizure order, coordinating seizure raids with law enforcement officials, to finally supervising and participating in the raids. This can also result in disrupting, and eventually disabling, the channels in which counterfeit goods travel.

Notably, in February 2004, U.S. Marshals, representatives from Brinks' client, Swanson Tool Company, and firm attorneys conducted simultaneous raids and seizures in Chicago and Houston. The seizures netted tools bearing counterfeits of Swanson Tool's SPEED trademarks, along with related electronic records. Shortly thereafter, a federal court issued preliminary injunctions confirming the propriety of the raids and seizures. Through documentation obtained during the raids, the firm learned the identity of the importer of the counterfeit tools, which added to the client's counterfeiting information base.

Also, on behalf of Seven Towns Ltd., owner of the famous RUBIK'S CUBE puzzle cube trademark and trade dress, the firm worked directly with U.S. Customs officials to ensure that field agents were aware of new infringing and counterfeit twist-cube puzzle cubes that appeared in the marketplace. This proactive approach has resulted in seizure and destruction of thousands of counterfeit products as they enter the country.

Mr. Gabrielides' practice includes all aspects of trademark, unfair competition, false advertising and copyright law, including litigation before federal courts and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. He also has experience in counseling, licensing and litigation relating to patents. Mr. Gabrielides received his J.D. from DePaul University College of Law and his B.A. in economics from the University of Illinois. He joined the firm in 1998. Mr. Gabrielides can be reached at jgabrielides@brinkshofer.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 and brand names for a wide variety of products and services.