Press Releases
Sydney Iglitzen
siglitzen@brinkshofer.com
312.840.3163
CHICAGO - For the sixth consecutive year, Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione shares the top tier among intellectual property law practices in Illinois, according to the 2008 Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business. Nationally, Brinks shares the fourth tier with only one other IP boutique and eight general practice firms with IP departments for top IP firms in the U.S. There are only 34 firms total singled out in the IP category. Seven are intellectual property boutiques; twenty-seven are general practice firms with IP practices.
In addition, seven of the firm's shareholders have been recognized as leading lawyers in their field. The seven Brinks attorneys receiving notable mention 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 described Brinks as follows: "...This 'top-flight patent firm' is said by market sources to also have a 'big trademark practice.' The Chicago office is reputed to provide the 'best litigation in the city' and exhibits 'the most talented attorneys, who do everything IP-related' ...on both national and international levels...."
Meredith Martin Addy, a shareholder and chair of the firm's Appellate Group, is noted as "an up-and-comer last year, she climbs in the rankings due to her 'high-calibre practice.' Interviewees appreciate her 'significant business knowledge' in the biotech, pharmaceutical, electronic and chemical industries where she defends clients in a variety of related matters." Known for her appellate work and her experience on the Federal Circuit, Ms. Addy has 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 notes that Mr. Gabric "climbs in the ranking this year, after successfully representing tobacco producer R.J. Reynolds in a $1 billion patent infringement case. He additionally acts for clients in trademark and antitrust disputes." Mr. Gabric also has substantial ANDA and RICO litigation experience.
Jerome Gilson is a senior shareholder in the firm's trademark and unfair competition practices. According to Chambers USA, Mr. Gilson "is renowned as a 'fabulous lawyer' who has 'been a teacher to those at the Bar.' He acts for clients in trademark and unfair competition matters in front of all courts and regulatory boards." Chambers designates Mr. Gilson as a "senior statesman."
Roy E. Hofer is a senior shareholder with more than 45 years of experience in the litigation of patent, trade secret, trade dress and related antitrust and contract matters. Chambers states that Mr. Hofer "is well known for his alternative dispute practice. He consults on all district and court of appeal cases within the IP arena." Chambers also designates Mr. Hofer as a "senior statesman."
Jerold A. Jacover, a shareholder and immediate past president of the firm, Chambers notes that Mr. Jacover "acts for a variety of clients, including Coca-Cola, Motorola, Abbott Laboratories and BFGoodrich in all patent, unfair competition and copyright disputes." Mr. Jacover's practice includes experience in patent, copyright and unfair competition, including litigation and trials. He has tried successfully cases that have involved a wide variety of technologies.
Laura Beth Miller is a shareholder and chair of the firm's International Trade Commission Group. Chambers cited Ms. Miller as "defending clients in front of the ITC and district courts in Internet-based patent disputes." She has litigation experience involving traditional areas of intellectual property as well including patent, trademark, unfair competition, trade secret and copyright law. In addition, she has extensive commercial litigation experience in the areas of contract, antitrust, product liability, RICO violations, and bankruptcy.
Gary M. Ropski, president of Brinks, is singled out in the individual rankings in the highest tier as having "the ability to 'stand up to any case' [which] underscores his reputation as 'a stellar member of the Bar' ... [and] an 'excellent practitioner in any case.' He defends clients on an international level in all patent-related disputes in front of district courts and the ITC." Mr. Ropski's practice includes patent, trademark 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, was first introduced to the United States market in 2003 and is published annually. Chamber's rankings are based on in-depth interviews with leading private practice attorneys and key in-house counsel. For more information about Chambers USA and the 2008 rankings, 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 170 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.
