
Trademarks & Unfair Competition
In an economy largely driven by brand recognition, establishing and protecting company names and trademarks is critical. Brinks has been at the forefront of trademark and unfair competition law, trying cases throughout the country and arguing them at all levels, including the U.S. Supreme Court. Our attorneys are not only noted for exceptional client work, but they also shape the field by publishing books and articles, assisting in amending the federal trademark statute and rising to the top in professional associations.
In addition to litigation, our experience includes searching and clearance; application and prosecution; licensing activities including collegiate licensing and sports stadium naming rights licensing; due diligence in acquisitions; mediation and arbitration; and Customs recordal and enforcement, along with international services provided in association with our global network of independent foreign associates.
Brinks trademark lawyers go beyond the protection and defense of trademarks to the broader field of unfair competition law. Such matters include trade dress infringement, false advertising, deceptive trade practices, misappropriation, passing off, defamation, right of publicity, parody, counterfeiting and related issues. Our attorneys are at the cutting edge of Internet practice, dealing regularly with issues of metatags, linking and pay for placement.
Brinks International Trademark Group has represented clients in trademark prosecution around the world and actively represents clients in oppositions, consultations and litigation.
Awards & Recognition
Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione frequently is recognized as a leader in the trademark field. We have received these recent accolades:

- Recipient of the Decade Award for Outstanding Legal Writing, 2010
The Burton Awards for Legal Achievement - Best Law Firm - National - Intellectual Property Law, 2010, 2011
U.S. News & World Report - Trademark Prosecution Firm of the Year - Midwest, 2010 -2011
Trademark Litigation Firm of the Year - Midwest, 2009-2011
Managing Intellectual Property magazine's North American IP Awards - Top 5 Trademark Litigation Firm - National, 2010
Managing Intellectual Property magazine's North American IP Awards - Top 10 Trademark Practice Among IP Law Firms, 2006-2007
Intellectual Property Today magazine’s "Annual Survey" - Top 100 Trademark Firm in the U.S., 2008
Intellectual Property Today magazine’s “Top Trademark Firms”
Client Alerts
- August 5, 2011
.XXX Sponsored Top-Level Domain Registration Period Begins September 7, 2011 - July 12, 2011
New gTLDs Approved by ICANN - June 23, 2011
Patent Reform Passes the House
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Press Releases
- January 24, 2012
Brinks Attorneys Fleming and Gabrielides Release Supplement to Trademark Litigation ... - January 5, 2012
24 Brinks Attorneys Named Illinois Super Lawyers and 10 Named Rising Stars - January 3, 2012
James R. Sobieraj Assumes Presidency of Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione
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Firm Authored Books
- Supplements, 2010-2011
Trademark Litigation Practice
By: David S. Fleming and John T. Gabrielides - Supplements, 1975-2011
Gilson on Trademarks
By: Jerome Gilson - Supplements, 1999-2011
Trademark Practice Throughout the World
By: Mary M. Squyres - 2007
Guide to TTAB Practice
By: Jeffery A. Handelman
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IP Resources
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IP Search Tools
- USPTO U.S. Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS) IP Laws and Regulations
- U.S. Trademark Statute Court Information and Decisions
- U.S. Federal Courts IP Professional Organizations
- International Trademark Association (INTA) IP Government Offices
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Firm Authored Publications
- January/February 2012
Stretching Trademark Laws to Protect Product Design and Packaging
By: Jeffery A. Handelman
Landslide - September/October 2011
Trademarks Laid Bare: Marks that May Be Scandalous or Immoral
By: Jerome Gilson and Anne Gilson LaLonde
The Trademark Reporter - September 20, 2011
IP: 7 Tips to Policing Trademarks
By: Michelle A. Miller
InsideCounsel.com
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News
- December 12, 2011
PRNewswire - November 29, 2011
Chicago Daily Law Bulletin - October 31, 2011
TTABlog
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