Overview

Kenneth J. Hoover helps clients develop and protect their patent portfolios across a broad range of technologies, including semiconductors, machine learning/artificial intelligence, wireless communications, medical devices, and blockchain. A former submarine officer, Ken draws on his military background to efficiently lead teams of associates and technical specialists in support of his clients’ goals.

Ken has experience managing the intellectual property assets of companies ranging from small start-ups to multinational organizations. Early in his career, he worked with an early-stage company to develop the IP assets backing a novel and technically complex cellular communications technology, ultimately building an 80-patent portfolio that helped fuel the company’s growth. He also has experience managing 1,000-patent portfolios for companies working with a range of technologies. In addition to his prosecution work, Ken has experience handling post-grant proceedings before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board.

Prior to his legal career, Ken was a submarine officer in the U.S. Navy. He served aboard the attack submarine USS San Juan (SSN-751) in a variety of billets, including assistant engineer officer, quality assurance officer, reactor controls officer, and communications officer. Ken also served as an electrical and computer engineering instructor at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.

In his pro bono practice, Ken works with Volunteer Legal Services to provide representation in landlord-tenant disputes, and provides pro bono patent counseling through California Lawyers for the Arts. In his spare time, Ken can be found hiking, camping, or enjoying other outdoor activities with his five boys.