Benesch Continues Expansion of IP Group with Addition of Three BigLaw Attorneys

Benesch is pleased to welcome three accomplished BigLaw attorneys to its fast-growing Intellectual Property Practice Group: Gilbert J. Villaflor, Adriana Beach and Donna Kwon. Their combined diverse experience in high-stakes technology transactions, data protection, and IP prosecution and litigation further solidifies the firm’s reputation for handling increasingly sophisticated matters and expanding its bench of talent.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Gilbert, Adriana and Donna to the team,” said Intellectual Property Practice Group Chair Michael Stovsky. “Their additions reflect our ongoing commitment to enhancing the depth and versatility of our IP Practice Group as we grow and adapt to meet the evolving needs of our clients in this competitive and constantly changing space.”

“We’re proud of what we’re building, as we strategically grow both as a firm and in this crucial area, and we remain dedicated to helping our clients protect and advance their most valuable assets in an increasingly complex IP landscape,” added Benesch Managing Partner Gregg Eisenberg. “We’re excited to have Gilbert, Adriana and Donna on board, and we know our clients are going to benefit tremendously from their talent and experience.”

Nationally recognized by Chambers USA and Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms,” Benesch’s IP Practice Group has grown by 175% over the past five years and now includes more than 55 attorneys, paralegals and patent agents. Many of the group’s attorneys have worked as scientists or engineers in the industry and hold advanced degrees in areas such as physics, chemistry, biology, and mechanical and electrical engineering.

Gilbert J. Villaflor, Partner – Chicago

With a focus on technology transactions, Gilbert counsels companies on sophisticated intellectual property and technology-driven business deals, including for the development, licensing, distribution and acquisition of technology products and services. His clients span global enterprises, middle-market companies and startups innovating in cloud computing, software, immersive technologies and artificial intelligence and machine learning, as well as interactive entertainment, semiconductors, blockchain and life sciences. Prior to joining Benesch, Gilbert was a partner at Perkins Coie. He earned his J.D. from Loyola Law School, Los Angeles, and a B.A. in molecular and cell biology from the University of California, Berkeley.

Adriana Beach, Of Counsel – San Francisco

Adriana advises companies on global privacy and cybersecurity matters, including corporate transactions, technology transactions, product design, consumer protection, business operations and corporate governance. She has significant experience building and refining scalable compliance programs and negotiating deals such as private equity transactions, mergers, acquisitions, minority investments and financings. Adriana’s practice spans across a diverse array of industries, including entertainment, sports, media, consumer products, hospitality, gaming, healthcare, life sciences, oil and gas, digital assets, technology and financial institutions. Prior to joining Benesch, Adriana was an associate at Latham & Watkins. Adriana earned her J.D. from UC College of Law, San Francisco, and her B.A. from John Jay College of Criminal Justice.

Donna Kwon, Associate – Chicago

Donna focuses her practice on high-stakes intellectual property litigation and transactions spanning the pharmaceutical, technological, and food and beverage industries. With experience in trademark, copyright and patent law, she has represented clients before the U.S. Federal Courts, the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB) and the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB). Donna has experience drafting and prosecuting trademark opposition and cancellation petitions before the TTAB, developing brand protection strategies for complex trademark disputes and advising on IP licensing, freedom-to-operate investigations and risk assessments. Prior to joining Benesch, Donna was an associate at Mayer Brown. She earned her J.D. from the University of Chicago Law School and a B.S. in biological sciences from Drexel University, Pennoni Honors College.