Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione Receives 'Pro Patria' Award for Support of Military Reservists

CHICAGO, Jan. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione, one of the largest intellectual property law firms in the U.S., has received a "Pro Patria" Award, the highest honor granted at the state level from the Illinois Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), at its annual Employer Awards Banquet in Peoria, Illinois, on January 15, 2010.

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The Pro Patria Award recognizes one employer each year for demonstrating exceptional support through its leadership and personnel policies for employees in the National Guard and Reserve.

"Brinks unreservedly supports all members of our nation's armed forces, and particularly those serving in conflicts overseas," said Bruce Weisseg, Brinks' chief operating officer, who accepted the award on behalf of the firm at the awards dinner. "We are delighted to receive this honor, but the true honor belongs to our military's men and women."

The firm was nominated for its current and previous ESGR awards by Brinks patent attorney Igor V. Dubinsky, an Army Ranger and a 1st Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserve who is currently on active duty overseas. Brinks has also previously received ESGR's "Above and Beyond" and "Patriot" awards.

Brinks' attorney and staff rosters include numerous military veterans. Notably, senior shareholder Jerome Gilson, widely recognized in the U.S. and internationally as an authority on trademark law, was a Sergeant in the U.S. Army. Senior shareholder Henry L. Brinks was an Electronics Mate, 1st Class, in the U.S. Navy.

Founded in 1972, ESGR is a volunteer organization sponsored by the U.S. Dept. of Defense that works to gain employer support for National Guard and Reserve service by recognizing employers who deliver outstanding support of the military. As the 1.3 million members of the National Guard and Reserve continue to perform an increasing number of unique missions within America's borders and beyond, ESGR will continue as the contact agency for questions and information regarding programs that support the relationship between civilian employers and their employees that serve in the Guard and Reserve.

About Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione

Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione is one of the largest intellectual property law firms in the United States and serves the intellectual property needs of clients around the world. Brinks has more than 180 attorneys, scientific advisors and patent agents who specialize in intellectual property litigation and all aspects of patent, trademark and copyright law. The firm also advises on issues relating to intellectual asset management, trade secret, unfair competition, and technology and licensing agreements.

Brinks routinely handles assignments for companies in the electrical, chemical, and mechanical engineering sectors; the biotechnology, pharmaceutical and nanotechnology industries, and for companies whose work relates to Internet and computer technology law. The firm's trademark practice works on behalf of clients who deal in a wide variety of products and services. Founded in 1917, Brinks is based in Chicago and has five additional offices across the country. More information is available at www.usebrinks.com.

SOURCE Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione