CHICAGO, June 16 /PRNewswire/ -- For the seventh consecutive year, Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione shares the top tier among intellectual property law practices in Illinois, according to the 2009 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. Chambers has singled out only 36 firms in the IP category of all IP boutiques and general practice firms with IP departments in the U.S. Eight are intellectual property boutiques; twenty-eight 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' national ranking as follows: "This boutique practice's great reputation across the IP spectrum covers patent and trademark prosecution and litigation. Chicago is the center of the firm's strength, where firm president Gary Ropski impresses with his patent litigation work." Chambers continues "[Mr. Ropski] recently defended ArvinMeritor and ZF Friedrichshafen in a trial relating to the alleged infringement and invalidity of patents. The firm is growing, expanding its chemical practice and [has opened] an office in the Research Triangle in North Carolina."

In praising Brinks' top standing in Illinois, Chambers states, "This mammoth boutique is 'number one in terms of total IP coverage.' The group is most well known for its mastery of patent work, but it is also extremely strong in trademark and trade secret matters. Sources praise the team's heavy-duty litigation practice and its well-developed appellate practice."

Meredith Martin Addy, a shareholder and chair of the firm's Appellate Group, is noted as "steadily climbing the rankings. Her practice centers on litigation and she represents hi-tech companies in the pharmaceutical, biotech, electronics and software industries. Peers recommend her 'direct and forthright approach,' and attribute these qualities to the firm as a whole." Ms. Addy is also described as "bright, tireless and creative" and is highly recommended by Chambers USA.

Ralph J. Gabric, a shareholder in the firm's litigation practice, concentrates on patent and antitrust litigation. Chambers notes that Mr. Gabric "is also active in the pharmaceutical arena and has been representing Teva Pharmaceuticals in patent infringement matters. He additionally focuses on trademark and antitrust disputes." Mr. Gabric is highly recommended by Chambers USA.

Jerome Gilson is a senior shareholder in the firm's trademark practices. According to Chambers USA, Mr. Gilson "is said to be 'the leader in trademarks.'" Chambers USA lists 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 "the group benefits from the presence of Mr. Hofer, who handles patent litigation and arbitrations." Chambers also designates Mr. Hofer as a "senior statesman."

Jerold A. Jacover, a shareholder and immediate past president of the firm, is mentioned as recommended and handles "patent, unfair competition and copyright issues." 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 cited as recommended. Ms. Miller is mentioned as "specializing in litigation and is chair of the firm's International Trade Commission practice; she is a peer favorite for referrals." Ms. Miller has litigation experience involving traditional areas of intellectual property 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 "lauded as an 'outstanding attorney.' He focuses on patent litigation and also counsels on patent and trademark protection matters." Chambers has singled out Mr. Ropski in the individual rankings in the highest tier. Mr. Ropski also defends clients on an international level in patent-related disputes in front of district courts and the ITC. His 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 2009 rankings, visit www.chambersandpartners.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. For more information, visit www.usebrinks.com.

    CONTACT:
    Sydney Iglitzen
    (312) 840-3163
    siglitzen@usebrinks.com

SOURCE Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione

Back to top

RELATED LINKS
http://www.usebrinks.com
http://www.chambersandpartners.com/