Foley & Lardner LLP: Jeanne M. Gills

In today's innovation-driven economy, protecting intellectual property is not just an option—it's a necessity. For businesses and innovators across Illinois, particularly within the technologically advanced and competitive landscape of Chicago, securing expert legal counsel in intellectual property (IP) is paramount. Jeanne M. Gills, a highly respected partner at the international law firm Foley & Lardner LLP, stands at the forefront of this critical legal field, offering unparalleled expertise in IP litigation and strategy.

Jeanne M. Gills is a leading attorney known for her profound ability to combine legal acumen with a deep understanding of technology, a blend stemming from her background in electrical engineering. As a key figure at Foley & Lardner LLP, a firm with a nearly two-century legacy of delivering innovative legal services, Ms. Gills plays a vital role in advising clients on complex patent, trade secret, trademark, copyright, and unfair competition matters. She has earned a national reputation for her strategic approach to IP litigation and for crafting robust IP strategies that protect and maximize her clients' valuable assets. This article will delve into the exceptional services offered by Jeanne M. Gills and Foley & Lardner LLP, their significant highlights, and why they are a superior choice for individuals and businesses in Illinois seeking sophisticated intellectual property legal solutions.

The firm's philosophy, and particularly Ms. Gills's approach, is rooted in a comprehensive understanding of the intersection of law and science. They understand that intellectual property is often the lifeblood of modern businesses, and their commitment is to provide aggressive advocacy and strategic counsel that safeguards these vital assets. Whether defending against infringement claims, enforcing IP rights, or advising on global IP strategy, the team at Foley & Lardner LLP, led by attorneys like Ms. Gills, is dedicated to delivering creative, practical, and effective solutions. Their track record of handling "bet the company" cases with hundreds of millions of dollars at stake underscores their capability to navigate even the most challenging legal battles, ensuring clients in Illinois have a powerful ally in protecting their innovations and brands.

Jeanne M. Gills's office, as part of Foley & Lardner LLP, is prominently located at 321 N Clark St Suite 3000, Chicago, IL 60654, USA. This prime address places the firm in the heart of Chicago's vibrant River North neighborhood, a central and highly accessible business district within the Illinois legal landscape. The modern office building provides a sophisticated and professional environment, reflecting the high caliber of legal services offered.

The firm's location offers exceptional accessibility for clients traveling from various parts of Chicago and the broader Illinois region. It is conveniently situated near major public transportation hubs, including several CTA 'L' train lines (such as the Brown, Purple, Orange, Green, Pink, and Blue Lines) and numerous bus routes. This makes it incredibly convenient for individuals commuting from diverse neighborhoods in Chicago, as well as suburban areas in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, and Will Counties, to reach the office. For those who prefer to drive, numerous parking garages are available in the vicinity, though public transportation is often the most efficient option for navigating downtown Chicago. This strategic placement of Foley & Lardner LLP emphasizes their commitment to being readily available to Illinois businesses and innovators who require top-tier intellectual property legal counsel, ensuring that geographical barriers do not impede access to their expert services.

Jeanne M. Gills, as a partner at Foley & Lardner LLP, specializes in a robust range of intellectual property law services. Her expertise includes, but is not limited to, the following key areas:

• Intellectual Property Litigation: Serving as lead trial counsel in complex disputes involving patents, trade secrets, trademarks, copyrights, and unfair competition. This includes high-stakes cases across diverse industries from electronics to fashion to biotechnology.
• Patent Litigation: Handling intricate patent infringement cases and appeals, including those involving business method and software patents, and representing clients in USPTO post-grant proceedings (IPRs, CBMs, derivation proceedings).
• Trademark, Copyright & Advertising Counseling: Providing strategic advice on protecting brand identity, product configuration trade dress, color as a trademark, and managing copyright portfolios.
• Trademark, Copyright & Advertising Litigation: Representing clients in disputes related to trademark infringement, copyright ownership, and advertising claims, including matters before the TTAB (Trademark Trial and Appeal Board) and UDRP (Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy).
• Trade Secret Litigation: Protecting confidential business information and pursuing claims against unauthorized use or theft of trade secrets by former employees, business partners, or competitors.
• Global IP Strategy Development: Counseling clients on high-value strategy development and risk mitigation in transactional matters where a company's bottom line is IP-driven, including cross-border IP disputes.
• IP Due Diligence for Mergers & Acquisitions: Leading the intellectual property aspects of significant M&A transactions, ensuring the protection and valuation of IP assets.

Jeanne M. Gills and Foley & Lardner LLP possess numerous features and highlights that establish their reputation as a leading legal force in Illinois and beyond:

• National Recognition and High Ratings: Ms. Gills has earned a national reputation in intellectual property litigation and strategy. She has been named to Forbes' "America's Top Lawyers" (2024) for Intellectual Property and consistently selected to Illinois Super Lawyers since 2005. She also holds an AV Preeminent® rating from Martindale-Hubbell, reflecting the highest level of legal ability and ethics.
• Electrical Engineering Background: Her unique combination of legal expertise and an electrical engineering degree allows her to deeply understand and effectively litigate complex technical IP matters, bridging the gap between law and science.
• Lead Trial Counsel in High-Stakes Cases: Ms. Gills acts as lead trial counsel in "bet the company" cases with hundreds of millions of dollars at stake, demonstrating her capability in the most challenging legal environments.
• Extensive PTAB Experience: She has served as lead counsel in over 25 PTAB (Patent Trial and Appeal Board) proceedings, showcasing a deep mastery of post-grant review processes.
• Strategic IP Counseling: Beyond litigation, Ms. Gills is highly respected for providing high-value strategy development and risk mitigation counsel for IP-driven businesses.
• Leadership Within Foley & Lardner LLP: She serves as Vice Chair of the firm's national Intellectual Property Department (leading strategic marketing and business development) and is a former member of the firm's Management Committee, underscoring her influence and strategic role within a major international firm.
• Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion: Ms. Gills is a staunch champion of diversity in the legal profession, having founded Foley's African American Attorneys Affinity Group, the Black Patent Network, and the Chicago Black Partners Alliance.

As a prominent international law firm, Foley & Lardner LLP, and distinguished attorneys like Jeanne M. Gills, do not typically advertise "promotions" in the traditional consumer sense. Their service model is built on providing bespoke, high-level legal solutions tailored to complex business and individual needs, often reflecting a sophisticated fee structure. However, the firm is committed to fostering client relationships and offers initial consultations for prospective clients. During such consultations, individuals or businesses can discuss their intellectual property challenges, receive a preliminary assessment of their situation, and understand how the firm's extensive resources and expertise can be leveraged to achieve their objectives. This initial discussion allows clients to gain valuable insights and clarity on potential legal strategies and fee arrangements without immediate financial commitment. To inquire about consultation availability and how Ms. Gills and her team can address your specific IP legal needs, contacting the firm directly via the provided phone number is the best course of action.

To connect with Jeanne M. Gills and the intellectual property team at Foley & Lardner LLP, please use the following contact information:

• Address: 321 N Clark St Suite 3000, Chicago, IL 60654, USA
• Phone: (312) 832-4583
• Mobile Phone: +1 312-832-4583

Calling the office directly is the most efficient way to schedule an appointment or obtain further information regarding their comprehensive legal services.

For innovators, businesses, and individuals across Illinois seeking unparalleled expertise in intellectual property law, Jeanne M. Gills and Foley & Lardner LLP offer an exceptionally suitable and compelling choice. Their strategic location in downtown Chicago provides supreme accessibility for clients throughout the entire state, ensuring that leading-edge legal counsel is within convenient reach. Ms. Gills's unique background in electrical engineering, coupled with her extensive experience as lead trial counsel in high-stakes IP litigation and her national reputation for strategic IP counseling, makes her an invaluable asset for anyone looking to protect and leverage their intellectual property.

The firm's broad resources, commitment to client success, and a demonstrated track record of achieving favorable outcomes in complex cases further solidify their position as a premier legal partner. For Illinois residents and businesses navigating the intricate world of patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets, choosing Jeanne M. Gills and Foley & Lardner LLP means securing representation from a highly skilled, technologically astute, and strategically minded legal team dedicated to safeguarding your most valuable innovations and ensuring your continued success.