Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione Ranks Among the Top IP Law Firms in Illinois and U.S. According to Chambers 2009
CHICAGO – For the seventh consecutive year, Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione shares the top tier among intellectual property law practices in Illinois, according to the 2009Chambers 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 USAdescribed 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 byChambers 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 byChambers USA.
Jerome Gilson is a senior shareholder in the firm's trademark practices. According toChambers USA, Mr. Gilson "is said to be 'the leader in trademarks.'"Chambers USAlists 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.