Genna S. Hibbs

Partner

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

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

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

Before her legal career, Genna gained hands-on experience in science and quality
assurance as a Quality Assurance/Quality Control Laboratory Technician in a biomedia
processing facility, where she developed a strong appreciation for technical rigor and
robust processes. She also spent a year living and teaching in Japan, an experience that
strengthened her communication skills and global perspective.

Genna’s interest in intellectual property grew from a fascination with biotechnology
inspired by the Human Genome Project, along with personal experiences navigating health
care systems during her mother’s battle with Parkinson’s Disease. This passion guided her
legal studies toward health law and intellectual property and led her to focus her practice
on empowering inventors, startups, and small businesses.

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

EDUCATION

Genna earned her Juris Doctor, cum laude, from Gonzaga University School of Law, where
she focused her coursework on Health Law and Intellectual Property and distinguished
herself in moot court competitions and honors classes. She holds a Bachelor of Science in
Biology with a concentration in Genetics and a Bachelor of General Studies in English
Literature from the University of Kansas, combining technical depth with strong writing and
analytical skills that enhance her work in patent drafting and legal advocacy.

BAR ADMISSIONS

Genna is admitted to practice in Illinois and before the United States Patent and
Trademark Office.

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS & SERVICE

Genna is actively involved in professional organizations that connect legal insight with
community and innovation. Her memberships include the Chicago Bar Association,
McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce, Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago,
National Association of Patent Practitioners (NAPP), and the Illinois State Bar Association.
She also contributes through committee and volunteer work, such as programming for the
Game Manufacturers Association (GAMA), presenting intellectual property topics, and
serving in leadership roles within the National Association of Patent Practitioners.

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).

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