Barnes & Thornburg Adds IP Partner Peter Nichols in Chicago

CHICAGO – Barnes & Thornburg LLP has added G. Peter Nichols in Chicago as a partner in the Intellectual Property Department. Nichols is the latest IP practitioner to join the firm this year, coming on the heels of five other hires, including Joseph Paquin, also in Chicago.

With more than 25 years of experience, Nichols focuses his practice on patent procurement strategies, patent portfolio management, U.S. and global utility and design patent applications, and proceedings at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). He represents clients across a wide spectrum of industry sectors, including consumer electronics, power tools, mining, household and consumer products, nutritional supplements, and cosmetics, among others. He has a deep understanding of chemistry, polymers, chemical and mineral processing, food technology, nutraceuticals, electronics, and mechanical technologies.

“Peter shares our collaborative values and commitment to providing quality, effective counsel,” said Mark Rust, managing partner of the Chicago office. “He is a fantastic addition to our Chicago office and will strengthen our IP bench in the region and nationally.”

He joins the firm from Brinks Gilson & Lione. In addition to advising on patent strategies, Nichols represents clients on patent prosecution matters and applications with foreign offices, and in post-grant proceedings in the USPTO and international patent offices.

“Peter’s deep technical background gives him a unique vantage point and ability to genuinely understand our clients’ business needs and challenges,” said Julia Gard, chair of the firm’s Intellectual Property Department. “He’ll be a great addition to our group and will work diligently to protect our clients’ most valuable assets.”

Nichols earned his J.D. from DePaul University College of Law and his B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Minnesota.

With more than 600 attorneys and other legal professionals, Barnes & Thornburg is one of the largest law firms in the country. The firm serves clients worldwide from 14 offices in Atlanta, California, Chicago, Delaware, Indiana, Michigan, Minneapolis, Ohio, Texas and Washington, D.C. For more information, visit us online at www.btlaw.com or on Twitter @BTLawNews.