Program

Strut Your Stuff: Oral Advocacy Skills for IP Practitioners 

This advocacy skills workshop will give participants an opportunity to practice their oral advocacy skills and get constructive feedback from senior practitioners and a judge. Get experience on your feet to hone your skills. Participants will work with a case study and will come prepared to deliver a small portion of oral argument on a mock TMOB matter. Whether you are a beginner or want to refine your skills, you will receive valuable feedback from our workshop leaders. Though the case file will be trademark-based, the advocacy skills you will learn are universal.

Melissa Dimilta Bennett Jones LLP (Toronto)
Hon. Janet Fuhrer Federal Court (Ottawa)
Andrew Shaughnessy Torys LLP (Toronto)

Pre-registration required | Limited seating
Additional fee – Member: $199 + HST / Non Member: $299 + HST 

Patent Drafting in the Age of AI – Strategies for Protecting Interdisciplinary Inventions

As AI transforms innovation, more inventions now span multiple disciplines—from drug discovery and genetic analysis to manufacturing optimization, agriculture, and vehicle design. Traditionally non-digital inventions increasingly involve AI components or computer implementation, raising new challenges for patent protection. This interactive workshop will explore practical strategies for drafting and prosecuting patent applications in this evolving landscape. Topics will include patentable subject matter, claim drafting approaches for interdisciplinary inventions, best practices for coordinating drafting and prosecution and a brief look at emerging AI tools to support patent drafting.

Matt Powell Dickinson Wright LLP (Toronto)
Jennifer Marles Viridant IP (Vancouver)

Pre-registration required | Limited seating
Additional fee – Member: $199 + HST / Non Member: $299 + HST 

Gold Sponsor: 

Jason Hynes Smart & Biggar LP (Waterloo) / IPIC President
Tamara Ramsey Dale & Lessmann LLP (Toronto) / Chair, IPIC Conference Committee 

Michele Romanow | Dragon on CBC’s Dragon’s Den and Co-founder of Clearco

Moderator: Tamara Ramsey Dale & Lessman LLP (Toronto) 

Gold Sponsor:   

Get it Right the First Time: Tips from the Patent Appeal Board, the Trademarks Opposition Board and the Federal Court 

Gold Sponsor: 

The Chairs of the Patent Appeal Board and the Trademarks Opposition Board will offer practical insights into what members of these Boards look for in evidence, written submissions and advocacy. Federal Court judges will join the discussion to explore appeals from these decisions and judicial reviews of other administrative decisions made by CIPO. Whether you are an agent or a litigator, this discussion will equip you with concrete strategies to put your best foot forward and get it right the first time.

Tara Derickx Chair, Patent Appeal Board (CIPO)
Neena Kushwaha Chair, Trademarks Opposition Board (CIPO)
Hon. Nicholas McHaffie Federal Court (Ottawa)
Hon. Christine Pallotta Federal Court (Ottawa)
Moderator: Dino Clarizio Markwell Clarizio LLP (Toronto) 

Jurisdiction and Territoriality of IP Rights and Remedies in Canada

In today’s digital world, business often crosses borders, but IP rights still exist at the national level. What are the territorial limits of Canadian copyright, trademarks, and patents? Can your client sue or be sued in Canada? If so, what relief can Canadian courts grant? Do federal and provincial superior courts treat these issues similarly? Hear from IP practitioners about recent cases that tackle these issues.

Fortunat Nadima ROBIC LLP (Montréal)
Alexandra Peterson Torys LLP (Toronto)
Sangeetha Punniyamoorthy DLA Piper (Toronto)
Moderator: Andrew Moeser Lenczner Slaght LLP (Toronto) 

Juda Strawczynski CEO & Registrar, College of Patent Agents and Trademark Agents (Ottawa)
Moderator: Nathaniel Lipkus Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP (Toronto) 

Patentable Subject Matter: Pharmascience v Janssen

Are dosing regimens patentable? Do methods of medical treatment constitute patentable subject matter? What is an invention? This panel will discuss these questions and the highly anticipated decision from the Supreme Court of Canada in Pharmascience v Janssen. Hear from counsel for interveners about the issues at play before the Court and the potential implications of the decision in pharmaceutical patent litigation and beyond.

Andrew Skodyn Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP (Toronto)
Bradley White Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP (Ottawa)
Amy Grenon Tyr LLP (Toronto)
Moderator: Zarya Cynader Gilbert’s LLP (Toronto) 

The Norval Morrisseau Art Frauds: Examining the Exploitation of Indigenous Art in Canada 

This session examines the Norval Morrisseau art forgeries and the civil and criminal legal actions that resulted from this widespread fraud. Panelists will discuss the appropriation of Indigenous arts and crafts in Canada and explore what changes are required to Canadian law to protect Indigenous artwork, with a particular focus on Canada’s obligations under Article 31 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).

Jonathan Sommer CEO, Art Experts Canada Inc. (Toronto)
Michelle LaVallee Director, Indigenous Ways and Decolonization, National Gallery of Canada (Ottawa)
Moderator: Colleen Stanley Stanley IP Law (Toronto) 

Patents Without Borders: Comparative Insights about International Patent Law

Patent rights holders often operate in multiple jurisdictions. But patent law is territorial, with different regulatory regimes and jurisprudence applying around the world. The panel will explore recent developments in different jurisdictions to help Canadian patent practitioners better advise Canadian clients on their global strategy and global clients on their Canadian strategy.

Simon Wright Schlich (Littlehampton, UK)
Sylvan Browne FB Rice (Melbourne, Australia)
Moderator: Yael Bienenstock Torys LLP (Toronto) 

Strategic Brand Enforcement: Public Relations and Litigation

Brand protection and a good enforcement strategy are critical to any successful business. However, in this age of social media and viral posts, litigation can easily turn into public backlash and reputational harm. Learn insights from seasoned public relations and intellectual property professionals and in house counsel on how to avoid a PR nightmare by controlling the narrative through thoughtful enforcement strategies.

Selena Kim Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP (Toronto)
Jaime Watt Chairman and Founder, Navigator Ltd. (Toronto)
Devon Largio General Counsel, McDonald’s Canada (Toronto)
Moderator: May Cheng Dipchand LLP (Toronto) 

 
Gold Sponsor:   

After a day packed with insights and inspiration, join us for our Centennial Networking Mixer — where the vibes are relaxed, the conversations flow easily, and the only agenda is great company. Whether you’re here to talk shop or just chill, this is your moment to mix, mingle, and make it memorable!
 

Gold Sponsor: 

Following the success of last year’s sold-out event, the Patent & Trademark Institute Educational Foundation (PTIEF) is bringing the fun to IPIC’s Centennial Conference with another unforgettable night of trivia, teamwork, and friendly rivalry.

Get ready to flex your brainpower with fast-paced rounds covering everything from pop culture to puzzling facts — all with clever IP twists that will keep even the sharpest minds on their toes. Whether you’re in it to win it or just along for the laughs, this is your chance to connect, compete, and celebrate with colleagues from across the IP community.

Expect big laughs, great company, and serious bragging rights — all in support of a meaningful cause. Proceeds from the evening go directly to the PTIEF Education Fund, advancing diversity, inclusion, and access to education in the field of intellectual property.

Pre-registration required | Space is limited, register early to secure your spot! | Dress code: casual
Additional fee – $199 plus HST

CIPO Update

Konstantinos Georgaras Patent Commissioner, Registrar of Trademarks and CEO (CIPO)
Moderator: Carolyn DeFreese MLT Aikins (Calgary) 

IP, Trade, and the World as It Really Is: A Conversation with Ambassador Nadia Theodore

Nadia Theodore Canadian Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the WTO, UNCTAD, ITC and WIPO (Geneva)
Moderator: Elizabeth Dipchand Dipchand LLP (Toronto) 

 
Gold Sponsor: 
 

Innovation Underdogs and Patent Powerhouses: Global Lessons for Canada’s Evolving Economy

Canada’s economy is at a crossroads, undergoing a generational shift amid a broader global transformation. This panel spotlights the critical role of innovation and patents in building a resilient, diversified economy. Drawing on the lessons of global successes (and failures), panelists will consider legal, policy, trade, and cultural shifts needed to position Canada as a leader in innovation and jump start strong and sustainable economic growth.

Jeremy de Beer Canada Research Chair in Innovation and Intellectual Property Law, University of Ottawa
Kayleigh Nauman North American Intellectual Property Attaché and Policy Advisor, British Embassy (Washington)
Moderator: Dan Hnatchuk Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP (Ottawa) 

IP in Sports: Navigating a Complex Playing Field

This session explores the evolving intellectual property issues shaping the sports industry, from branding and sponsorship rights to the interplay between teams, leagues, major sporting events, and athletes. Panelists will examine various issues, including ownership of IP, intellectual property protection and enforcement across jurisdictions, licensing, merchandising and commercialization strategies, media rights, ambush marketing, fan generated content, and athlete image rights in a highly competitive global sports market.

Paula Clancy Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP (Ottawa)
Mark Ditmars VP Corporate Partnerships, Toronto Blue Jays
Richard Stacey General Counsel, Ottawa Senators
Moderator: Arnold Ceballos The Bank of Nova Scotia (Toronto) 

Patent Office Practice Update

Virginie Ethier Assistant Commissioner and Director General, Patent Branch (CIPO)
Moderator: Jeff Leuschner Smart & Biggar LP (Ottawa) / Chair, IPIC Patent Committee  

Trademarks Office Practice Update

Mesmin Pierre Director General, Trademarks and Industrial Designs Branch (CIPO)
Moderator: Jennifer Morton Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP (Toronto) / Chair, IPIC Trademark Committee  

 
Gold Sponsor:
 
The following IP Roundtables qualify for one CPD hour:

■   Demand Letters in IP: Dos & Don’ts
■   Combating AI-Enabled Fraud and Misconduct
■   Best Practices in Chemical and Biotechnology Patent Applications
■   Best Practices in Electrical and Mechanical Patent Applications
■   Best Practices in Trademarks under the Madrid Protocol
■   Best Practices in Industrial Design Applications
■   Lunch with Officials from the Patent Branch
■   Lunch with Officials from the Trademarks Branch
■   AI in IP Practice: Practical Benefits**
■   Evidence in Trademark Disputes: Best Practices**

** Contains up to 1 hour Professionalism or Ethics, where applicable, or may qualify in a separate category, subject to provincial law society rules.
Pre-registration required. 

“The Robot of Ordinary Skill in the Art”: Be It Resolved that AI Will Destroy the Novelty/Originality Required for Patent/Copyright Protection in Canada

As innovators and creators increasingly turn to generative AI tools, is there a risk that these tools will strip the fruits of their labours of the novelty and inventiveness required for patent protection and originality and authorship required for copyright protection in Canada? Do the Patent Act and the Copyright Act have the necessary flexibility to address inventions and original works that are created with the assistance of AI and should they? Can generative AI provide us with the answers to these questions?

Kevin Siu Anand & Siu LLP (Toronto)
Daniela Bassan Stewart McKelvey (Halifax)
Jean-Sébastien Dupont Smart & Biggar LLP (Montréal)
Vanessa Komarnicki Deeth Williams Wall LLP (Toronto)
Moderator: Ben Hackett Goodmans LLP (Toronto) 

Top IP Law Cases of the Century

This session highlights landmark intellectual property decisions that have shaped the evolution of IP law over the past century. Coinciding with IPIC’s centennial conference, it offers a retrospective on pivotal judicial decisions and explores why these cases mattered then, and how their legacy continues to shape today’s IP landscape. In a twist on the familiar “top IP cases of the year” format, the discussion takes a century-long view, revisiting the most influential decisions that defined and transformed the field over time.

Jordana Sanft Lenczner Slaght LLP (Toronto)
Chris Wilson Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP (Vancouver)
Catherine Lovrics Marks & Clerk Canada (Toronto)
Moderator: Ben Wallwork Fineberg Ramamoorthy LLP (Toronto)  

Tamara Ramsey Dale & Lessman LLP (Toronto) / Chair, Conference Committee 

Gold Sponsor: 

Join us at IPIC’s Centennial Gala as we celebrate the closing of this landmark conference and mark 100 years of leadership in intellectual property, while looking ahead to the future of innovation and IPIC. Set against an elegant Gatsby-inspired theme, the evening brings together fine dining, meaningful connections, and well-deserved recognition at IPIC’s prestigious Awards Ceremony.

The celebration continues into the night with a final toast, live music, and dancing — an unforgettable opportunity to unwind and celebrate with friends and colleagues.

Register early — space is limited and will be assigned on a first-come basis.
Dress code: black tie