Meet Gary...
Gary Hood is a 30 year courtroom veteran and former BigLaw partner. In his extensive legal career, he represented Fortune 500 companies in major patent and trademark cases in courtrooms nationwide. He represented small businesses and individuals in a broad array of disputes. And he even represented those accused of the most serious crimes. He is a veteran United States Naval Officer who served in the Persian Gulf during Operation Desert Storm, and on counter-narcotics operations in Central and South America. And now, he's a guy who has decided to commit his time and effort to bring his extensive experience and skills to bear to serve others.
Gary and his wife Debbie have been married for nearly 30 years. Together, they are the proud parents of a successful broadcast journalist/news anchor. Gary is a former competitive swimmer and lifelong waterman who still spends significant time in and around water, swimming, surfing, boating, boarding, and otherwise immersed. He's a proud USC Trojan alum, who also now supports his daughter's alma mater - Fight On! and Roll Tide!
Gary and Debbie are originally West Coast natives but lived for years in the Chicagoland area. They've been residents of Melbourne Beach, Florida since 2014. They enjoy travel, outdoor recreation, and volunteering in a variety of veteran, political, and other public service and private organizations.
More About Gary...
Education
J.D., Magna Cum Laude, Gonzaga University, 1996
Gonzaga Law Review, Editor-in-Chief
National Moot Court Competition, Regional Champion and National Sweet Sixteen Qualifier
B.S., University of Southern California, 1988
Electrical Engineering
Men's Swimming Team
Fraternity Vice-President
Experience
Hood Legal Group PC, Chicago, IL/Seattle, WA
May 2022 – Dec 2024
Founder and President/CEO. Actively engaged in civil litigation and related advising and counseling of clients for cases involving important rights – including intellectual property rights (patent, trademark, copyright, trade secret), as well as rights to life, liberty and property. Virtual firm, nationwide practice, unconventional model in all facets including staffing (on-demand through partnership with third party legal services provider), billing (flat-fee for all types of cases), and approach (leveraging military-style small unit tactics to maximum effect).
Polsinelli PC, Chicago, IL/Seattle, WA
2011 – Apr 2022
Equity shareholder (partner), Board of Directors Member (2019-2022), chair of intellectual property proceedings and litigation division and founder/chair of Hatch-Waxman (pharmaceutical patent litigation) practice group in this AmLaw 100 law firm. Also served separate, three-year stints on firm’s compensation and finance committees. Lead, first-chair federal courtroom litigator, building and directing multiple trial teams including other shareholder, associate, and paralegal personnel in multiple pending cases in federal courts located throughout the United States. Practice focused on intellectual property disputes (patent, trademark, copyright, trade secret) with particular emphasis in pharmaceutical and high-tech patent litigation. Clients included a broad array of leading international generic and specialty pharmaceutical companies, as well as companies in other industries including telecommunications, gaming, automotive and medical devices. Provided strategic guidance and counsel in all facets of federal court litigation, from pre-suit analysis and counseling through case filing, pretrial workups, motions practice, discovery (fact and expert), trial, and appeal. Regularly appeared in federal courts throughout the United States, particularly those with heavy patent caseloads including the District of Delaware, District of New Jersey, Northern District of Illinois, and Eastern District of Texas among others. Frequent speaker and panel chair at various national IP related conferences including those relating to trial and courtroom practice, as well as the pharmaceutical industry.
McDonnell, Boehnen, Hulbert & Berghoff LLP, Chicago, IL
2007-2011
First and second chair federal court trial lawyer, leading multiple patent and intellectual property litigation teams in federal courts throughout the United States. Managed and directed all case phases from initial strategy development through resolution. Proven skills in complex case administration under the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. Particular technologies addressed included, among others, consumer electronics, business methods, Internet, automotive, medical devices, and pharmaceuticals. Developed and managed case strategy and budgets with C-level executives and in-house IP counsel, and gained particular experience formulating and administering alternative fee arrangements. Gained extensive counseling experience addressing all aspects of client intellectual property portfolios, including preparing patentability, clearance, freedom to operate, non-infringement, and invalidity opinions for patents and trademarks, preparing and prosecuting trademark and copyright applications and representation in TTAB proceedings, supervising patent application preparation and prosecution, and licensing IP portfolio assets.
Baniak Pine & Gannon, LLC, Chicago, IL
2005-2006 (Acquired by McDonnell Boehnen et al. Jan. 2007)
Counsel, managed all phases of multiple intellectual property litigation matters for clients in federal courts throughout United States, responsible for all facets of cases including factual investigation, pretrial pleading, motions practice, expert consultation, ADR, and trial Coordinated and conducted depositions of lay, expert, and corporate witnesses, prepared and presented motions on dispositive and non-dispositive issues, participated in Markman claim construction hearings, represented clients at mediation, and managed and participated in preparation of appellate briefing.
Jenkens & Gilchrist P.C., Chicago, IL
2003-2005
Senior associate, responsible for managing multiple patent and other intellectual property matters in federal courts throughout United States, conducting depositions, retaining and coordinating expert witnesses, conducting discovery, and arguing motions. Coordinated efforts of co-counsel and local counsel in several multi-defendant, complex patent litigation matters, gaining significant experience litigating in the popular patent litigation venue of the Eastern District of Texas.
Dorsey & Whitney LLP Seattle, WA
2000–2001
Associate, represented clients in patent, trademark, trade secret, copyright, and related litigation matters in various courts throughout United States. Responsible for all aspects of pretrial preparation, including pre-filing investigation and cease/desist correspondence, discovery, and motions. Organized case tracking system for large scale client to enable coordinated action by attorneys and staff across multiple offices for related litigation matters venued throughout country.
Gordon Thomas Honeywell LLP, Tacoma, WA 1996-2000/2001-2003
Senior associate/associate, represented clients in numerous civil and criminal matters in various federal and state courts, serving as first or second chair counsel in seven trials (six to jury). Developed and managed all aspects of firm’s intellectual property practice, including preparation and prosecution of trademark, copyright, and patent applications, counseling, and litigation. Prepared and presented several guest lectures to local university classes, focused on intellectual property legal issues.
U.S. Attorney’s Office, E.D. WA., Spokane, WA
1994 - 1995
Law Student Intern, responsible for all phases of prosecution for office’s petty offense docket from initial case evaluation through trial, successfully serving as first chair prosecutor in four federal petty offense bench trials. Assisted various Assistant U.S. Attorneys in variety of civil and criminal matters, providing research, analysis, writing, and motions/trial preparation support.
United States Navy/Reserves, San Diego, CA/Spokane, WA
1988 – 2000 (Active duty 1988-93, Drilling Reserves 1993-96, Ready Reserve 1996-2000)
Commissioned officer (Lieutenant), led and managed approximately 25 assigned personnel as division officer and assistant department head aboard USS Rentz (FFG-46). Served as USS Rentz Officer of the Deck, Tactical Action Officer, and Combat Information Center Watch Officer during at-sea combat and training operations including during Operation Desert Storm, gained extensive experience preparing and briefing senior officers on training and related missions and in conducting diplomatic exchanges in the Middle and Far East, as well as in Central and South America in connection with counter-narcotics operations. As active drilling reservist following departure from active duty in 1993, served as division officer at Mobile Inshore Undersea Warfare Unit (MIUWU) 102, responsible for personnel training and performance, budget management, and maintenance of electronics, communications, and related equipment.
Awards & Distinctions
Named by Acquisition International Magazine as IP Litigator of the Year 2024 (USA), and Recipient of the Excellence Award in Media & Sports Representation Services 2024
Named by Intellectual Asset Management to the Global IAM Patent 1000, 2014-2024
Honored by Managing Intellectual Property Magazine as an IP Star, 2013-2024
Named by Acquisition International Magazine as IP Litigator of the Year 2023 (USA)
Named a Lawyer of Distinction Distinguished Member, 2019-2024, IP and Rights Litigation
Named "National Intellectual Property Star" by Benchmark Litigation, 2022
Named "Local Litigation Star" by Benchmark Litigation, 2021
Named "IP Litigation Lawyer of the Year" for Illinois by The Lawyer Network, 2021
Global Award Winner, IP Litigation, USA/Illinois, Leaders in Law, 2021
Named "Notable Veteran Leader in Law" by Crain's Chicago Business, 2020
Named "Notable GenX Leader in Law" by Crain's Chicago Business, 2019
Selected for inclusion in Chicago Lawyer as Leading Lawyer in Copyright & Trademark Law, Intellectual Property Law, Patent Law, 2014-2021
Winner of Leaders in Law Global Award, 2020
Law Practice Admissions
States
Washington – 1996
Illinois – 2004
Federal Courts
United States Courts of Appeals - Federal Circuit, Ninth Circuit
United States District Courts - Northern District of Illinois (general and trial bars), Northern District of Indiana, Eastern District of Michigan, Eastern District of Texas, Eastern District of Washington, Western District of Washington
United States Patent and Trademark Office (2002)
Military Awards
Navy Commendation Medal
Navy Achievement Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Southwest Asia Service Medal (with bronze service star)
Kuwait Liberation Medal
Public Service & Engagement
Plan Commission, Beverly Shores, Indiana Member, 2009–2011, President, 2010–2011
Board of Zoning Appeals, Beverly Shores, Indiana Member, 2010–2011
American Legion Member, 2005–present
Bridges Center for Grieving Children, Tacoma, Washington Professional Advisory Committee, 2002–2003
Brown’s Point Improvement Club, Brown’s Point, Washington Trustee, 1999–2000
City of Federal Way, Washington Ethics Board Member, 1997–2000
Publications & Presentations
Blog Post, “Artificial Property” - A New Form Of Intangible Property, Blog - GaryHood.com, October 2, 2024
News Update, President Signs Orange Book Transparency Act of 2020, January 11, 2021
Coordinator and Presenter, COVID-19 and Litigation: A Roundtable Discussion of Remote Advocacy in the Face of a Global Pandemic, June 16, 2020
Author, A Strategic - but Unconventional - Approach to Litigation, Intellectual Property 2019 Expert Guide
Presenter, Eastern District of Texas 2018 Bench Bar Conference, October 18, 2018
Presenter, ACI Paragraph IV Disputes Master Symposium, October 2, 2018
Author, How Do You Determine What Is At The Heart Of A Dispute? Lawyer Monthly Q&A, Lawyer Monthly, September 28, 2018
Co-Presenter, The Policy and Practicalities of Jurisdiction - Debating the Impact of TC Heartland on Paragraph IV Litigation, ACI Paragraph IV Disputes Master Symposium, Chicago, IL, October 2, 2017
News Alert, Supreme Court’s Patent Dance Decision: Victories & Uncertainties, June 2017
News Alert, Supreme Court Patent Ruling: What Lies Ahead, May 24, 2017
News Alert, Federal Circuit Clarifies AIA On-Sale Bar Provision Applies Where Existence of Sale Is Public, May 2017
Contributor, In This Patent Hotspot, Bow Ties Mean Business Featured in Law360, March 24, 2017
Update, Supreme Court Decision Alters Patent Defense Landscape, March 2017
Presenter, Tips and Strategies in Winning Paragraph IV Disputes in 2016 & Beyond, LIVE Webcast The Knowledge Group, August 23, 2016
Update, New Guidance on Mandatory Notice in the Biosimilar ‘Patent Dance’, July 8, 2016
Contributor, Biosimilars Litigation: Challenges Mini-Roundtable Corporate Disputes Magazine. The round-table focused on the pharmaceutical industry, and the particular logistical and practical challenges presented for litigation under the Biologics Price Competition & Innovation Act, September 2015
Presenter, Hatch-Waxman Act Updates in 2015, LIVE Webcast, July 20, 2015
Update, Recently Finalized FDA Guidance Indicates Some Flexibility for Biosimilars, May 5, 2015 Update, Generic Drug Manufacturers to be Investigated by HHS for Recent Price Hikes, April 15, 2015
Update, SCOTUS Today: TTAB Decisions, Not Federal Courts Will Be Final Arbiter in Many Trademark Cases, March 24, 2015
Update, Recent Developments in Exercising Personal Jurisdiction in Hatch-Waxman Cases, February 3, 2015
Author, Patents and Trademarks Annual Review 2015, Financier Worldwide Magazine. The article broadly addresses the status of and recent developments in patent and trademark law in the U.S., and provides insight into best practices on issues facing companies in this area, February 2015
Contributor, Resolving Patent Disputes Roundtable, Financier Worldwide Magazine. The discussion addressed resolving patent disputes, focusing on frequency of patent disputes, trends in patent dispute resolution, the impact of the American Invents Act on patent litigation, and developments and strategies for resolving patent disputes, October 2014
Presenter, American Conference Institute's Annual Paragraph IV Disputes Master Symposium, Chicago, IL, September 30, 2014
Panel Moderator, Brand Name and Generic Interpretations of the Changing Paradigm for Generic Market Entry: Identifying New Due Diligence Concerns Relative to ANDA Drug Targets and Anticipating New Paragraph IV Challenges, ACI Paragraph IV Disputes Master Symposium, Chicago, Illinois, September 2014
Presenter, Hatch-Waxman Generic Pharmaceuticals Litigation Hot Topics Webinar, June 26, 2014 Moderator, The Gauntlet Rethrown: The Paragraph IV Certification and Notice Letter ACI Paragraph IV Disputes Conference, New York, New York, April 2014
Presenter, Advanced Pleading Strategies And Effectively Using Dispositive Motions In Paragraph IV Disputes Paragraph IV Disputes Master Symposium, Chicago, Illinois, October 2013
Presenter, New Exclusivity Challenges: Brands Take Notice, Its Not Just for Generics Anymore Presented at ACI Paragraph IV Disputes Conference, New York, NY, May 2013
Presenter, And They're Off: The Start of the Paragraph IV Lawsuit, The Generic Perspective Presented at ACI Paragraph IV Disputes Conference, New York, New York, April 2012
Author, Bust the Bad Guys - How to Harness Criminal Intellectual Property Laws to Protect Your Company's Valuable IP Assets, Intellectual Property Owners Association Website Publications, 2005
Author, Refuse to Play the Game: An Alternative Document Production Strategy in Intellectual Property Litigation 16 Intellectual Property & Technology Law Journal 5, 2004