Genna S. Hibbs

Partner

Phone: (773) 888-2134 | Email: ghibbs@iplawusa.com

Genna S. Hibbs is a Partner at Schmeiser Olsen who helps innovators and business leaders transform breakthrough ideas into strategic intellectual property assets that drive market value. With a foundation in science, regulatory compliance, and legal analysis, she works closely with clients across diverse technology sectors to protect inventions, navigate complex regulatory landscapes, and build intellectual property portfolios that support long-term innovation goals.

Genna’s passion for intellectual property was inspired by her early interest in biotechnology, sparked by the Human Genome Project, and shaped by personal experiences navigating healthcare systems during her mother’s battle with Parkinson’s disease. This perspective guides her client-centered approach, particularly in supporting inventors, startups, and small businesses.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

At Schmeiser Olsen, Genna prepares and prosecutes patent applications before the United States Patent and Trademark Office, advises clients on intellectual property portfolio strategy, assists with trademark and copyright matters, and supports regulatory compliance initiatives where law and technology intersect. Her approach blends strategic thinking, technical understanding, and clear communication to connect legal protection with meaningful business outcomes.

Before entering legal practice, Genna gained hands-on scientific and regulatory experience as a Quality Assurance and Quality Control Laboratory Technician in a biomedia processing facility. She also spent a year living and teaching in Japan, an experience that strengthened her communication skills and global perspective. These experiences inform her practical, detail-oriented approach to intellectual property law.

EDUCATION

J.D., cum laude, Gonzaga University School of Law, 2011
- Focus: Health Law and Intellectual Property
B.S., Biology, Concentration in Genetics, University of Kansas, 2004
B.G.S., English Literature, University of Kansas, 2004

BAR ADMISSIONS

State of Illinois
United States Patent and Trademark Office

OTHER

Genna also contributes through committee and volunteer work, including programming for the Game Manufacturers Association (GAMA), presenting on intellectual property topics, and serving in leadership roles within the National Association of Patent Practitioners.

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS & SERVICE

Chicago Bar Association
McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce
Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago
National Association of Patent Practitioners (NAPP)
Illinois State Bar Association

PRESENTATIONS

“Intellectual Property Seminar: IP Licensing Agreements” — Gary Con (Mar 2022) and Adepticon (Mar 2022) and Chicago Inventors Organization (Mar 2021 & Oct 2020).
“Intersections Between the FDA and the USPTO” –National Association of Patent Practitioners (Jul 2022).
“Protect Your Work!” – D300 INCubator (Sep 2023) and Woodstock Women’s Networking Group (Aug 2023) and Prairie Ridge HS Incubator (Apr 2019) and Woodstock Public Library (Jun 2018): Explained creation, protection, and enforcement of intellectual property rights.
“An Overview: Royalty Structures and Licensing Agreements in IP Negotiations” – Chicago Inventors Organization (Jun 2025, May 2020, & May 2019): Addressed negotiating power considerations, key agreement provisions, and royalty frameworks.
“AI Implications …a Hibbs Law perspective” – Barrington Writers Workshop (July 2024).
“Patent Basics” – Gary Con (Mar 2022) and Chicago-Kent College of Law / USPTO Patent Hub (Jan 2018).
“Trademark Basics” – Gary Con (Mar 2025, Mar 2022) and Chicago Inventors Organization (Aug 2021) and Woodstock Chamber of Commerce (Aug 2018).
“IP Basics” – Gary Con (Mar 2025 & Mar 2022) Prairie Ridge HS Incubator (Apr 2019).
“After Myriad: The Current State of Gene Patents” – Legal Association of Women (Dec 2023) and Chicago Bar Association, Intellectual Property Committee (Apr 2018 & Mar 2013).
“Open Game License” –Gary Con (Mar 2023).