George Hulse (l) and Mark J. Cleaver believed that LED-based, neonlike lights housed in composite plastic materials seemed like a bright idea. They were right. Their engineering and technology company (with a plant in Cookeville, Tenn.) makes and markets Plexineon lighting, an innovative product more durable, more weatherproof, safer, cheaper to operate and longer lasting than neon or other common lighting sources.

The product is finding its way into signs and buildings all over the world. It's being protected thanks to the work of Stites & Harbison's Registered U.S. Patent Attorneys...led by David Nagle. In addition, Jennifer Kovalcik and Joel Beres help with trademark matters, and Tom Halbleib has helped iLight with corporate issues.