Richard B. Hoffman is widely regarded for his experience in intellectual property law in the U.S. and abroad. His career spans more than 35 years, with emphasis on patent application preparation, patent prosecution, design, trade secrets, and related opinions, counseling, intellectual property audits and agreements. He regularly advises domestic and foreign clients and foreign associates. His practice includes large and small corporations, professional associations, foundations, entrepreneurs and other law firms.
Mr. Hoffman handles patent prosecution and an opinion practice within a wide range of mechanical and related technologies, and maintains a substantial practice devoted to handling U.S. rights for foreign clients. He also counsels clients on intellectual property rights issues in a diverse range of industries, including:
- Food processing
- Beverage bottling
- Automated industrial machinery
- Sports and outdoor recreation equipment
- Horticultural seed products and processes
- Biomass/biofuels processing
- Onsite waste and drainage
- Industrial hardware and tools
- Gravity-fed shelving
- Packaging
- Metal fabrications
- Clean/Green Technologies and Machines
- Insurance and financial service business methods
Mr. Hoffman prepares and reviews numerous contracts for product and invention licensing, joint commercialization, trade secrets, know-how and confidential information, and intellectual property aspects of employment-related contracts. He has also represented clients in patent and trademark infringement litigation, including counterfeiting and knock-off matters.
Mr. Hoffman is listed in Who's Who in America, Who's Who in the Midwest, Who's Who in the World and Who's Who in American Law. He was also voted by his peers as a Leading Lawyer in the state of Illinois.
Mr. Hoffman obtained an L.L.M. (Patent Law) from John Marshall Law School in 1981, a J.D. from DePaul University in 1973, and a B.S. in General Engineering from the University of Illinois in 1970.
MEMBERSHIPS
- American Bar Association
- American Intellectual Property Law Association
- Chicago Bar Association
- Illinois State Bar Association
- Intellectual Property Law Association of Chicago (former Secretary)
- International Trademark Association
- Lawyers Club of Chicago
