Trevor K. Copeland

Shareholder

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Trevor K. Copeland
Shareholder
概观

“I immerse myself in my clients’ technologies and develop a genuine passion for their innovative work.”

Trevor Copeland helps clients build strong patent portfolios that protect commercial products and support future development. He has drafted and prosecuted dozens of issued utility and design patents from start to finish, with many more in the pipeline. In addition, Trevor advises on patent acquisition and portfolio management strategies, providing sophisticated analyses of the scope and validity of existing patents for defensive and offensive business purposes.

With an educational background in biology, Trevor focuses his practice on medical device patents—from simple medication delivery devices to complex minimally invasive surgical tools. He has counseled clients regarding diverse consumer products from sunglasses to footwear, electronic devices, and garden equipment. Trevor also holds a white belt certification in Legal Lean Sigma® and project management which assists him in understanding the goals of each client, providing focused attention and personal service to multinational corporations, middle-market businesses, and solo inventors alike.

Trevor takes a proactive approach to helping clients manage risk by analyzing the competitive landscape and technology of each client’s industry. Thinking forward, he marries that information with the client’s business goals and works with the client on effective strategies to protect new products and improvements. Trevor’s experience in utility and design patent litigation further informs his work as a patent counselor and strategist.

Before becoming a lawyer, Trevor was a high-school science teacher, an experience that helped him polish his ability to break down discuss key differentiation points of complex technical disclosures with busy patent examiners, and to explain legal concepts to non-lawyer inventors. He has developed a reputation of working collaboratively with clients to communicate with patent examiners and break through logjams at the Patent Office, moving applications forward.

业务组
教育
  • J.D.,
    明尼苏达大学法学院, 2003
  • M.S., Biology & Genetics,
    University of Minnesota, 2003
  • Graduate Minor, Bioethics,
    University of Minnesota, 2003
  • B.S., Biology,
    Arkansas State University, 1993
执业准许
  • Illinois
  • U.S. Dist. Court, C.D. Illinois
  • U.S. Dist. Court, Dist. of Colorado
  • U.S. Dist. Court, N.D. Illinois
  • U.S. Patent & Trademark Office
经验 | Overview

For the inventor of a transnasal device used to deliver medication, Trevor was able to resolve an impasse at the Patent Office and get critical applications allowed. The patented Tx360™/CE product is sold worldwide. (U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,231,588: Methods for ameliorating pain and devices for delivering a medicament; 8,905,980: Devices for delivering a medicament and methods for ameliorating pain; 8,690,839: Devices for delivering a medicament and connector for same)

Trevor has drafted and successfully prosecuted patents for an innovative and efficient, highly-controlled delivery system that helps place markers for targeted radiation therapy. The technology has the potential to reduce both the length of the procedure and the risk of infection. (U.S. Patent No. 8,855,747: Engaged fiducials and system for deployment.)

An inventor living in snowy Chicago turned to Trevor to help him patent a new design for snowblower skid shoes that allows the blower to operate smoothly on uneven sidewalks without damaging its mechanism. (U.S. Patent No. 8,544,856: Snowblower skid shoe)

Trevor has helped clients obtain additional patents including U.S. Pat. No. 8,932,342: Controlled release and recapture prosthetic deployment device and U.S. Patent No. 8,894,658: Apparatus and method for stylet-guided vertebral augmentation.

经验 | Legal

Brinks Gilson & Lione, Chicago, Illinois
Shareholder, 2012-Present
Associate, 2003-2011

经验 | Non-Legal

Dexter High School (R-XI School District), Dexter, Missouri
August 1993-May 1998

Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau, Missouri
Summer 1997

前瞻性思维
演讲
  • "If Looks Could Kill: Obtaining and Using Design Patents" CLE, Illinois Paralegal Association, November 3, 2016
  • “Protecting Your Creative Look: Strategic Use of Design Patents,” Brinks Webinar, August 17, 2016
  • "Constitutional Challenges to the America Invents Acts," Panel Moderator/Podcast Intellectual Property Practice Group of the Federalist Society, August 12, 2016

  • "To (b) or not to (b): Legal Ethics in IP and general practice – conflicting duties, client conflicts arising mid-representation, supervising/subordinate attorney responsibilities, tension between Model Rules and FRCP 11, and ethical practice with unsophisticated clients”  Richard Linn American Inn of Court, Chicago, IL, September 17, 2015
  • “Ethics and Medical Devices IP: Inequitable Conduct and New PTO Ethical Rules,” ACI’s 5th Advanced Summit on Medical Device Patents, Chicago, IL, March 4-5, 2015
  • “Patent Law Basics” – a primer presentation for LEGO® robotics middle school team at Covenant Classical School, Naperville, IL, January 31, 2014
  • “Fixing Agreements Gone Wrong: Tales from the School of Hard Knocks,” ACI's Medical Device Licensing, Co-Development, and Collaborative Agreements conference, Chicago, November 13, 2012
  • “Applying a Technical Background to Your Law Degree,”Joint Degree Program in Law, Health & the Life Sciences at the University of Minnesota Law School, October 25, 2012
  • “Patent Reform: Qui Tam Actions and the False Marking Statute,” Panel Debate/Podcast Intellectual Property Practice Group of the Federalist Society, Apr. 8, 2011
  • “Rise of Patent False Marking Claims,” Chicago Bar Association CLE, Oct. 6, 2010
  • “Transforming Growth Factor Proteins Affect Germ Cell Migration,” Presentation & Defense of Research for Master of Science Degree, 2000
代理案件

Representative Litigations

  • Leh Chu Enterp. Co. v. Meijer, Inc. (D. Con. 2011; 11cv1065) Representing defendant in design patent and trade dress litigation relating to flashlights. Settled.
  • Patent Group v. Maui Jim (E.D. Tex. 2011; 11cv72) Represented defendant in false patent marking litigation. Settled.
  • Meridian Electric Co. v. Energizer Holdings (S.D. Ill. 2011; 10cv35) Representing defendant in false patent marking litigation. Dismissed.
  • Schoolhouse Furniture, Inc. et al v. School Specialty, Inc. (N.D. Ill. 2010; 10cv4923) Representing plaintiff in patent infringement litigation. Settled.
  • San Francisco Technology v. Playtex (N.D. Calif. 2010; 10cv3250) Representing defendant in false patent marking litigation. Dismissed.
  • San Francisco Technology v. Aero Products (N.D. Calif. 2010; 10cv2994) Represented defendant in false patent marking litigation. Settled.
  • Simonian v. Playtex (N.D. Ill. 2010; 10cv1455) Represented defendant in false patent marking litigation. Won motion to dismiss.
  • Texas Data v. Playtex (E.D. Tex. 2010; 10cv273) Represented defendant in false patent marking litigation. Dismissed. 
  • Texas Data v. Energizer Personal Care (E.D. Tex. 2010; 10cv274) Represented defendant in false patent marking litigation. Settled.
  • GHJ Holdings v. Energizer Holdings (E.D. Tex. 2010; 10cv219) Represented defendant in false patent marking litigation. Settled. 
  • Minka Lighting, Inc. v. Vaxcel, Inc. (N.D. Ill. 2008; 08cv5438). Represented defendant in design patent infringement action related to ceiling fans. Settled.
  • Pequignot v. Solo Cup Co. (E.D. Va. 2007-2008; 07cv897). Represented Solo Cup Co. against a false patent marking claim during discovery and preparation of a summary judgment motion. The claims later were dismissed on summary judgment, upheld on appeal to the CAFC.
  • Maui Jim, Inc. v. Bargain Depot Enterprises, LLC d/b/a BargainDepot.net and SimonSaves.com (C.D. Ill. 2006; 06cv1169). Represented plaintiff in design patent infringement action against infringer of patented sunglasses design. Won summary judgment of infringement and patent non-invalidity. Case was found exceptional and client was awarded attorney fees and costs.
  • Maui Jim, Inc. v. NYS Collection, LLC (C.D. Ill. 2006; 06cv1170). Represented plaintiff in design patent infringement action against infringer of patented sunglasses design. Settled for undisclosed sum with defendant admitting patent validity.
  • Maui Jim, Inc. v. Tommy Bahama Group, Inc. and Altair Eyewear, Inc. (C.D. Ill. 2007; 07cv1155). Represented plaintiff in design patent infringement action related to sunglasses. Settled.
  • Maui Jim, Inc. v. Dynamic Technologies, Inc. d/b/a Designer-Sunglasses-City.com (C.D. Ill. 2006; 06cv1168). Represented plaintiff in design patent infringement action against infringer of patented sunglasses design. Settled for undisclosed sum with defendant admitting patent validity.
  • Techtronic Industries Co., Ltd. and Richard Pando v. Chervon Holdings Ltd., Nanjing Chervon Industrial Co., Ltd. a/k/a Chervon Industry Co., Ltd., Chervon Ltd., and Chervon North America, Inc. (N.D. Ill. 2005; 05cv4370).  Represented plaintiffs in patent infringement action related to a suction-base laser level. Won preliminary injunction against infringing product. Decision published: 395 F.Supp. 2d 720. Settled.
  • Dioptics Medical Products v. Maui Jim, Inc. (N.D. Cal. 2005; C05-1885). Represented defendant-counterplaintiff in design patent infringement action against infringer of patented sunglasses design. Settled.
  • Brunswick Bowling and Billiards Corp. v. Qubica USA, Inc. (M.D. Fla. 2005; 05cv510). Represented plaintiff in patent infringement action against infringer of patented electronic bowling scoring console. Settled.
  • Brunswick Bowling and Billiards Corp. v. Via Bowling Products, LLC and Shanghai Zhonglu Industrial Co., Ltd. (N.D. Indiana, 2004). Represented Brunswick in patent infringement action related to bowling lane surfaces. Settled.
  • Attwood Corporation v. Gem Products, Inc. (N.D. Ill. 2004). Represented plaintiff in patent infringement action related to patented retractable boat cleat. Settled.
  • Brunswick Bowling and Billiards Corp., et al. v. Shelti, Inc. (N.D. Ill. 2004; 04cv7856). Represented plaintiff in patent infringement action related to foosball games. Settled.
  • Maui Jim, Inc. v. Serengeti Eyewear, Inc., et. al. (C.D. Ill. 2004; 04cv1149). Represented sunglasses manufacturer Maui Jim, Inc. in design patent infringement suit against Serengeti Eyewear, including motion for preliminary injunction. Settled.

Representative Prosecution Matters

  • 8,932,342 CONTROLLED RELEASE AND RECAPTURE PROSTHETIC DEPLOYMENT DEVICE  – Issued  1/13/2015
  • 8,905,980 DEVICES FOR DELIVERING A MEDICAMENT AND METHODS FOR AMELIORATING PAIN  – Issued  12/9/2014
  • 8,894,658 APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR STYLET-GUIDED VERTEBRAL AUGMENTATION  – Issued  11/25/2014
  • 8,876,794 METHODS FOR AMELIORATING PAIN AND DEVICES FOR DELIVERING A MEDICAMENT   – Issued  11/4/2014
  • 8,855,747 ENGAGED FIDUCIALS AND SYSTEM FOR DEPLOYMENT  – Issued  10/7/2014
  • 8,838,208 FIDUCIAL DEPLOYMENT NEEDLE SYSTEM  – Issued  9/16/2014
  • 8,800,571 METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MOIST TOBACCO EXTRACT ISOLATION   – Issued  8/12/2014
  • 8,771,276 SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR FORMING A CAVITY IN, AND DELIVERING CURABLE MATERIAL INTO, BONE   – Issued  7/8/20148,764,727 REINFORCED RAPID EXCHANGE CATHETER  – Issued  7/1/2014
  • 8,758,295 SHORT WIRE CABLE CATHETER  – Issued  6/24/2014
  • 8,721,586 INTRODUCER FOR PERCUTANEOUS ENDOSCOPIC GASTROSTOMY APPLIANCE   – Issued  5/13/2014
  • 8,690,884 MULTISTATE-CURVATURE DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DELIVERING A CURABLE MATERIAL INTO BONE  – Issued  4/8/2014
  • 8,690,839 DEVICES FOR DELIVERING A MEDICAMENT AND CONNECTOR FOR SAME  – Issued  4/8/2014
  • 8,657,845 MULTIFILAR CABLE CATHETER  – Issued  2/25/2014
  • D697,801 FLAT-RIMMED CONTAINER FOR BEVERAGE-MAKING PRODUCTS   – Issued  1/21/2014
  • D695,615 REINFORCED-RING CONTAINER FOR BEVERAGE-MAKING PRODUCTS   – Issued  12/17/2013
  • 8,578,887 LITTER BOX WITH SIFTER/SCRAPER SCOOP INSERT AND METHOD  – Issued  11/12/2013
  • D692,760 REINFORCED-RING CONTAINER FOR BEVERAGE-MAKING PRODUCTS   – Issued  11/5/2013
  • D692,759 FLAT-RIMMED CONTAINER FOR BEVERAGE-MAKING PRODUCTS  – Issued  11/5/2013
  • 8,556,415 ADJUSTABLE NOSE PAD FOR EYEWEAR  – Issued  10/15/2013
  • 8,550,619 REMOVABLE LENS EYEWEAR SYSTEM  – Issued  10/8/2013
  • 8,544,856 SNOWBLOWER SKID SHOE  – Issued  10/1/2013
  • D690,009 BIOPSY NEEDLE TIP  – Issued  9/17/2013
  • 8,529,576 DEVICE, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DELIVERING A CURABLE MATERIAL INTO BONE  – Issued  9/10/2013
  • 8,512,315 SURGICAL DEVICE  – Issued  8/20/2013
  • D685,631 FLAT-RIMMED CONTAINER FOR BEVERAGE-MAKING PRODUCTS   – Issued  7/9/2013
  • 8,464,726 SEGMENTED SMOKING ARTICLE WITH INSULATION MAT – Issued 6/18/2013
  • 8,454,584 MEDICAL ANCHOR DEVICE – Issued 6/4/2013
  • D682,675 REINFORCED-RING CONTAINER FOR BEVERAGE-MAKING PRODUCTS – Issued 5/21/2013
  • 8,424,538 SEGMENTED SMOKING ARTICLE WITH SHAPED INSULATOR – Issued 4/23/2013
  • 8,424,538 CURABLE MATERIAL DELIVERY DEVICE WITH A ROTATABLE SUPPLY SECTION – Issued 1/29/2013
  • 8,187,172 ENDOSCOPE CAP WITH APERTURE – Issued 5/29/2012
  • D657,461 BIOPSY NEEDLE TIP – Issued 4/10/2012
  • 8,142,431 SPHINCTEROTOME CUTTING WIRE IMPROVEMENT – Issued 3/27/2012
  • 8,118,161 PRESSURIZED CIGARETTE PACKAGES AND METHODS – Issued 2/21/2012
  • 8,100,903 SPHINCTEROTOME IMPROVEMENT – Issued 1/24/2012
  • D650,995 SHEET MATERIAL WITH SURFACE PATTERN - Issued 12/27/2011
  • 7,959,660 MULTIFILAR CABLE CATHETER - Issued 6/14/2011
  • 7,946,293 CIGARETTE LIGHTER AND METHOD - Issued 5/24/2011
  • 7,946,417 CURABLE MATERIAL MIXING AND DELIVERY DEVICE - Issued 5/24/2011
  • 7,905,891 SUCTION CLIP - Issued 3/15/2011
  • 7,874,267 ANIMAL BREEDING SYSTEM AND USE THEREOF - Issued 1/25/2011
  • 7,846,177 SURGICAL DEVICE - Issued 12/7/2010
  • 7,811,245 OBJECT DELIVERY SHUTTLE - Issued 10/12/2010
  • 7,717,557 LENS SYSTEM AND METHOD WITH ANTIREFLECTIVE COATING - Issued 5/18/2010
  • 7,597,105 APPARATUS FOR MANUFACTURING CIGARETTES - Issued 10/6/2009
  • D588,024 WRISTWATCH - Issued 3/10/2009
  • 7,404,415 MECHANICAL INTERMITTENT TIMER FLOW CONTROLLER - Issued 7/29/2008
  • D575,452 TWIN-PACK CONTAINER - Issued 8/19/2008
  • D557,940 TABLETOP DRINK SERVICE DISPLAY - Issued 12/25/2007
  • 7,252,246 OSCILLATING SPRINKLER WITH PATTERN SELECT FEATURE - Issued 8/7/2007
  • 7,086,166 SPIRIT LEVEL WITH INTEGRATED INCLINATION ADJUSTMENT MECHANISM - Issued 8/8/2006
新闻报道和活动
October 24, 2018
Brinks' Gary Ropski Named #1 Leading IP Lawyer in Illinois; Laura Beth Miller Named to Top 100 Leading Women Business Lawyers

CHICAGO—Brinks shareholder Gary M. Ropski has been named the #1 Leading Intellectual Property Lawyer in Illinois and  Laura Beth Miller has been recognized among the Top...

February 09, 2017
Twenty Brinks Gilson & Lione Attorneys Named Illinois Super Lawyers for 2017

CHICAGO—Twenty attorneys at intellectual property law firm Brinks Gilson & Lione have been named to the 2017 ...

August 17, 2016
Patent Prosecutors Copeland, Parrish Present Webinar on Strategic Use of Design Patents

CHICAGO—Trevor K. Copeland and Daniel Parrish, patent prosecutors at intellectual property law firm Brinks Gilson ...

August 17, 2016
Brinks Webinar | Protecting Your Creative Look: Strategic Use of Design Patents

On August 17, Trevor K. Copeland and Daniel Parrish will speak at the Brinks webinar entitled “Protecting ...

January 12, 2016
Twenty-two Brinks Gilson & Lione Attorneys Listed in Illinois Super Lawyers 2016, Three Named Rising Stars

CHICAGO—Twenty-two attorneys at intellectual property law firm Brinks Gilson & Lione have been named to the 2016 ...

January 20, 2015
Illinois Super Lawyers Lists 24 Brinks Gilson & Lione Attorneys for 2015, Names Two Rising Stars
CHICAGO—Twenty-four attorneys at Brinks Gilson & Lione, one of the nation's largest intellectual property law firms, are named to the 2015 Illinois Super Lawyers list by Super Lawyers, a rating service that lists lawyers from more than ...
October 23, 2014
Brinks' Gary Ropski Named #1 Leading IP Lawyer in Illinois; 59 Brinks Attorneys Named Leading Lawyers for 2014-2015
CHICAGO—Gary M. Ropski, a shareholder at intellectual property law firm Brinks Gilson & Lione and the firm's past president, has been named the #1 Leading Intellectual Property Lawyer in Illinois by Leading Lawyers, and fifty-nine ...
荣誉
  • Illinois Super Lawyers, Intellectual Property, 2014-2017
  • Leading Intellectual Property Lawyer, Leading Lawyers Network, 2012, 2016
  • Illinois Super Lawyers, Rising Stars, 2010-2013
  • National Institute for Trial Advocacy (NITA) Advocate
联盟协会
  • The Federalist Society for Law and Public Policy Studies
    Executive Committee, Intellectual Property Practice Group
    Chicago Lawyers Chapter
         Executive Board, 2003-Present
         President, December 2011-2013
  • Richard Linn American Inn of Court
  • Policy Advisor, The Heartland Institute
  • United States Commission on Civil Rights
    Appointed Member, Illinois State Advisory Committee, 2013-Present
  • Intellectual Property Law Association of Chicago
  • Intellectual Property Owners Association
  • American Intellectual Property Law Association
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