Shook Expands IP Presence in Chicago With Hugh Abrams

CHICAGO (June 1, 2016) – Shook, Hardy & Bacon continues to expand its Intellectual Property practice with the addition of Chicago partner Hugh Abrams, who joined the firm on May 25.

“We are elated to have Hugh join our Chicago team,” said Chicago Managing Partner Todd Jacobs. “Hugh’s intellectual property experience and diverse litigation background provide a unique and valuable perspective to the firm and build upon the IP presence that we have here in Chicago.”

“Since opening our IP-focused Seattle office in 2013, Shook has made a consistent, concerted effort to expand its Intellectual Property presence across the country,” said Mike Gross, Co-Chair of the firm’s Intellectual Property group. “We continue that progress with Hugh’s arrival in Chicago.”

Abrams’ arrival marks the 16th addition to Shook’s IP group within the last 18 months.

Arriving after 20 years as an equity partner at Sidley Austin LLP, Abrams brings over 30 years of intellectual property experience to Shook. He has successfully tried patent cases to judges and juries as lead counsel, and has been part of larger trial teams in dozens of litigated matters.  He has argued appeals before the Federal Circuit as well as handled proceedings in the Patent and Trademark Office. His experience includes handling clearance opinions as well as the prosecution of hundreds of patent applications. He has worked on cases involving various technologies such as medical devices, pharmaceutical products, metallurgical processes, chemical processes, computer networks and software, automotive technology and complex electronics.

Abrams serves on the Board of Connections for Abused Women and their Children (CAWC), a Chicago-based non-profit organization dedicated to providing shelter, counseling and advocacy for people affected by domestic violence. He is also active on the Alumni Board for the Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering at the University of Illinois. Abrams received his J.D. from the University of Illinois College of Law in 1984 and his B.S. in mechanical engineering from the University of Illinois in 1981.

Abrams was recognized in 2016 by The Best Lawyers in America in Litigation – Intellectual Property and Patent Law.