Press Releases

CHICAGO - Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione, one of the largest intellectual property law firms in the U.S., has been recognized as one of the top law firms for utility and design patents in the country among both boutique and general practice firms with IP practices for 2009 by The Legal 500 - United States.

According to The Legal 500 - U.S., Brinks is "'experienced in the patent prosecution field' say clients. The practice offers advice in multiple areas, such as biotechnology, pharmaceutical, computer technology and nanotechnology, for an international client-base. About a quarter of the workload is conducted for clients based outside the U.S., particularly Germany, Japan and Korea."

Legal 500 mentions the addition of four attorneys recruited from Pfizer, who joined Brinks Ann Arbor, Michigan office.

The directory singles out Kent E. Genin, a shareholder and former chair of the firm's Patent Prosecution Group, as counseling clients on "patentability, validity and software infringement in industries such as software, medical devices, telecommunications and manufacturing equipment." In addition, Legal 500 also notes G. Peter Nichols, a shareholder and the current chair of the Patent Prosecution Group, who is said to be "experienced in preparing and prosecuting U.S. utility and design applications, and patent applications in such fields as cosmetics, cleaners, detergents, nanotechnology and food technology."

The Legal 500 - U.S. is a practical and comprehensive guide of the leading law firms in the U.S. legal market. The guide assesses firms by both geographical area and practice area and offers analyses of firm strengths. The performance of each firm is assessed by reviewing recommendations from clients on service quality and interviews with lawyers in each practice area to provide a clearer picture of each firm. For more information on The Legal 500, visit www.legal500.com.

Founded in 1917, Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione is based in Chicago with five 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.