Past Presidents
As the chief executive officer of the organization, Adam is responsible for the development and implementation of the strategic plan set by the Board of Directors. This also includes responsibility for government relations, stakeholder and member relations, business planning, and the day-to-day operation of the organization.
Anne-Josée is responsible for the professional training and continuing education opportunities offered in all areas of IP practice. She oversees the development and implementation of examining prep courses for the designations of patent agent and trademark agent, as well as the certification of patent administrator and trademark administrator. Anne-Josée manages the IPIC Mentorship Program. Contact Anne-Josée for questions regarding educational programs and initiatives.
Loreto is responsible for helping IPIC achieve its Outreach & Awareness goal identified in its Strategic Plan. She also helps raise awareness of the value of IP for business planning. Contact Loreto if you require a speaker on an IP topic, wish to discuss partnership opportunities or want to know more about how your organization can promote the importance of IP to businesses.
Loreto also provides overall leadership and strategic direction related to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) initiatives that include developing and delivering IPIC’s roadmap and action plans through creating EDI principles, practices, standards, programs and events that align with IPIC’s culture and make a positive, sustainable impact.
Loreto also leads IPIC's IP Assist Program. She oversees the administration of the IP Assist program, including the work of the Project Manager for IP Assist. She also oversees the successful creation and management of the database of experts and volunteers interested in taking part in the program by the project manager. Loreto leads the success of the program by managing the project manager in connecting IP experts with NRC-IRAP SMEs and in setting up the logistics of the presentations.
The Director of Communications and Member Services is responsible for the development and successful implementation of the communications and member services strategies and associated work plans for the Intellectual Property Institute of Canada (IPIC). The role is also responsible for working with a small but dynamic team to ensure membership engagement, recruitment, and retention efforts in support of maintaining a high member value proposition for members of IPIC.
Kim is responsible for the planning, coordination and organization of IPIC's annual conference, professional development courses, webinars and other related events. Contact Kim for any questions related to course or event registrations and sponsorship inquiries.
As Manager of Member Services, Asha is responsible for enhancing membership engagement, as well as recruitment and retention strategies. She also provides support to IPIC's Board of Directors and to IPIC's committee members. Contact Asha for questions regarding membership services and committees.
Jacilyn is responsible for supporting the coordination, organization and logistics for IPIC’s professional development offerings. Contact Jacilyn for questions regarding upcoming webinars and courses.
Robyn is responsible for proposing, developing and maintaining, the overall appearance, design and branding of all communications and marketing collateral. Contact Robyn for any advertising inquiries.
Samantha works with the Stakeholder Relations team in the coordination and execution of IPIC’s partnership with NRC-IRAP IP Assist. Samantha manages the administration of the IP Assist program, including the the management of the database of experts and volunteers interested in taking part in the program. For information on IP Assist how your SME can qualify for the program or how you can contribute as an IP professional to the success of Canadian SMEs, contact Samantha.
Nathaniel is an intellectual property litigator and strategist, with an emphasis on patent, commercial IP, and IP-adjacent life sciences regulatory issues. Nathaniel’s litigation practice includes all types of technology-driven IP litigation. He acted in Canada’s first litigation involving the patentability of human genes and in litigation that led to revamping of Canadian Intellectual Property Office guidelines for patentability of computer-implemented subject-matter. Nathaniel is a registered Canadian patent and trademark agent and serves numerous emerging and high-growth company clients on mission-critical IP issues. Nathaniel also formerly chaired IPIC’s Life Sciences Committee.
Nathaniel also has a depth of experience advising on international trade-related intellectual property matters, having served as Chair of IPIC’s IP Trade Policy Committee during Canada’s negotiation of the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement and Trans-Pacific Partnership.
Jason Hynes is a partner with Bereskin & Parr LLP, and Head of the Waterloo Region office. Jason’s patent practice focuses on mechanical, telecommunications and software innovations. In particular, he has a strong interest in working with high tech entrepreneurs and start-ups. Jason is also available to assist clients in trademark, copyright, trade secret, and related intellectual property licensing matters and disputes.
Prior to joining Bereskin & Parr, Jason gained valuable industry experience in litigation and patent preparation while working for a worldwide mobile communications company. Jason also gained experience in mechanical design and manufacturing engineering while completing his undergraduate co-op terms in the automotive and high-tech manufacturing fields.
Jason is Chair of the Intellectual Property Institute of Canada's (IPIC) Trade Policy Committee. He is also the Chair of the Kitchener-Waterloo Intellectual Property Group (KWIPG).
Jason is an Adjunct Professor at the Western University, Faculty of Law where he teaches a course on Advanced Intellectual Property. He made the University Students’ Council (USC) Teaching Honour Roll for the academic year 2016-17.
Elizabeth regularly advises corporations on in-depth intangible asset management including licensing, contract, and transactional work with particular emphasis on assisting SMEs achieve their long-term legal strategy to leverage their intellectual capital and assist in the overall growth and development of their company. In her litigation practice, Elizabeth represents clients in matters before the Federal Court, Federal Court of Appeal, Ontario Superior Court and Ontario Court of Appeal. Elizabeth gained significant experience in the intellectual property litigation group of a major national firm and continued her practice at the nation`s top ranked litigation boutique before founding Dipchand LLP.
Elizabeth is a member of IPIC's Conference and IP Trade Policy committees.
Paula has over 26 years of experience as a corporate/commercial and trademark lawyer and is certified by the Law Society of Ontario as a Specialist in IP (Trademarks). Her background in business and intellectual property law is an asset to her clients. Paula has a significant local practice, and her clients range from start-ups and SMEs to publicly-traded companies.
Paula served on IPIC's Board of Directors from 2018 to 2020. She has also served as Chair of IPIC’s Indigenous IP Committee, the International Trademark Issues Committee and the Sole and Small Practice Network.
Tim Lowman is head of the Aird & Berlis' Intellectual Property Group and a member of its Litigation & Dispute Resolution Group. He is known as a client-centric, forward-thinking, detail-oriented and personable lawyer. Clients and colleagues recommend him for his consistent excellence in the diverse areas in which he practices. He is a Certified Specialist in civil litigation as well as a registered Canadian Trademark Agent, a Certified Arbitrator and a Certified Licensing Professional.
Tim has more than 35 years of experience as counsel in a broad range of commercial and intellectual property litigation, including patent, trademark, copyright, professional errors and omissions, trade secrets, invention ownership, product liability and employment law claims.
Tim is Chair of IPIC's Insurance Committee.
Neil is currently Associate General Counsel, Intellectual Property at Shopify where he advises on all aspects of intellectual property. He is also responsible for the prosecution of Shopify's worldwide patent portfolio and contributes to the protection and enforcement of Shopify's trademarks. Neil is a lawyer admitted to the bars of Ontario and New York and is a licensed patent agent and trademark agent. Neil is also a professional engineer with a background in computer engineering and has a particular interest in the protection of computer-implemented inventions.
Neil is currently a member of IPIC's Patent Committee and its In-House Practitioner Community and previously served on the Internet and Technology Committee.
Catherine (Cat) Lovrics is a Partner at Marks & Clerk Canada and Head of the firm’s Trademark and Copyright Groups. Cat’s practice focuses on trademarks, copyright, personality and publicity rights, marketing and advertising law, consumer protection and data and privacy law.
Cat is among Canada’s leading copyright and trademark practitioners. She has helped national and multinational clients protect, exploit, and enforce their IP in a wide range of industries, from creative and emergent tech to fashion and food. Cat manages large trademark portfolios. She has coordinated clearance and filing projects, consumer products, licensing programs, and enforcement and anti-counterfeiting programs. She handles all aspects of trademark and copyright clearance, rights acquisition, licensing, and enforcement.
Cat is the most recent Chair of the Intellectual Property Institute of Canada’s Copyright Committee. She is a Member of the Canadian Trademark Opposition Board’s Advisory Committee. Cat has served as an expert witness on IP matters before Canada’s Standing Committee on Industry and Technology. She is a Board member of Artists and Lawyers for the Advancement of Creativity, which coordinates the pro bono clinic Artists’ Legal Advice Services, commonly known as ALAS.
Cat is a Co-Chair of the Canadian chapters of the Copyright Society of the USA, and a former Trustee of the Society. She also serves on Ad Standards Council and presides over consumer advertising complaints. Over the years, Cat has received various awards and accolades.
Jenn practices exclusively in the trademark field as a trademark agent with Coastal Trademark Services. She manages all aspects of trademark registration and maintenance including clearance, prosecution, opposition and cancellation. She provides practical, strategic advice to clients concerning brand protection and trademark usage. In addition to practicing in Canada, Jenn is recognized to represent clients before the United States Patent and Trademark Office in trademark cases.
Jenn previously served as chair of the Trademark Administrators Committee where she helped launch and develop IPIC’s certification program for trademark administrators. She has also been an instructor for IPIC’s Trademark Agent Examination Prep Course and a mentor in IPIC’s mentor program.
Jordana is a top-notch advocate, recognized on a national and global level for her deep expertise in all areas of intellectual property law, particularly in patent and trademark disputes. Jordana is also particularly well known for her expertise in the pharmaceutical and life sciences industries, among others. She regularly acts in proceedings under the Patented Medicines (Notice of Compliance) Regulations, patent impeachment and infringement actions, judicial review proceedings, and damages actions. She also regularly works with clients concerning the protection and optimization of their intellectual property portfolios and enforcement of their intellectual property rights.
Louis-Pierre Gravelle is a partner with Bereskin & Parr LLP, and a member of the Electrical & Computer Technology practice group. He is a recognized leading professional in the high-tech and artificial intelligence areas. Louis-Pierre’s practice focuses on patent and technology law, particularly obtaining and leveraging intellectual property rights for startups, SMEs and large companies to support them in their commercial growth and business success.
Louis-Pierre has served as a member of the IPIC Patent Practice and Professional Regulation committees.
Béatrice T. Ngatcha is a lawyer and patent agent in Lavery’s intellectual property group. She is a patent agent registered to practice in Canada and the United States. She is also a lawyer called to the Ontario Bar and a member of the Quebec Bar (c.j.c). Béatrice holds a doctoral degree in chemistry from Université Laval and has been a post-doctoral fellow at the National Research Council in Ottawa. In addition to a busy patent prosecution practice serving Canadian and foreign clients, Beatrice’s expertise in sought in the areas of intellectual property litigation, trade secrets, due diligence, strategy, portfolio value building, licensing and arbitration.
Béatrice was the Editor of the CIPR from 2019 to 2021 and the Chair of IPIC's Membership & Information Committee from 2015 to 2019.
Jason Markwell is a leading intellectual property litigator in Canada. He represents domestic and multinational corporations in a wide-range of industries, including life sciences, technology, financial services, manufacturing, mining and energy. He is well-known for his work on behalf of innovative pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies in patent infringement and regulatory disputes. He also provides advice in regard to the protection and enforcement of trade marks, copyright and trade secrets.
Jason is a current member of IPIC's Litigation Committee and previously sat on the Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee and Patent Legislation Committee.
Stephanie Chong is a trademark agent, lawyer and partner with the Toronto firm of Hoffer Adler LLP. Stephanie’s practice focuses on the acquisition, enforcement and maintenance of trademarks, including providing clients with business-oriented advice about their brand strategy from an IP perspective. Stephanie has broad experience in clearing, registering and licensing trademarks, as well as in representing clients in proceedings before the Trademarks Opposition Board and the Federal Court.
Stephanie has served on the Internet Committee, and Litigation Committee, has Chaired the Forums & Seminars Committee and the Indigenous IP Committee. She is a frequent speaker and writer on a wide range of IP topics, and regularly mentors students and young lawyers who have an interest in the IP profession.
Jonathan Auerbach is a partner, patent agent and trademark agent in the Intellectual Property Group at Stikeman Elliott. He has a broad range of experience in all aspects of intellectual property, with a particular emphasis on patent, trademark and copyright litigation, prosecution, licensing, counseling and transactions. Jonathan also has extensive experience in the acquisition, clearance, prosecution, enforcement and licensing of trademarks, including representing clients in trademark opposition proceedings and Section 45 expungement proceedings.
Jonathan joined the IPIC Board of Directors in 2020 and is a past Chair of IPIC's Internet Committee.
Members of Distinction
As the chief executive officer of the organization, Adam is responsible for the development and implementation of the strategic plan set by the Board of Directors. This also includes responsibility for government relations, stakeholder and member relations, business planning, and the day-to-day operation of the organization.
Anne-Josée is responsible for the professional training and continuing education opportunities offered in all areas of IP practice. She oversees the development and implementation of examining prep courses for the designations of patent agent and trademark agent, as well as the certification of patent administrator and trademark administrator. Anne-Josée manages the IPIC Mentorship Program. Contact Anne-Josée for questions regarding educational programs and initiatives.
Loreto is responsible for helping IPIC achieve its Outreach & Awareness goal identified in its Strategic Plan. She also helps raise awareness of the value of IP for business planning. Contact Loreto if you require a speaker on an IP topic, wish to discuss partnership opportunities or want to know more about how your organization can promote the importance of IP to businesses.
Loreto also provides overall leadership and strategic direction related to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) initiatives that include developing and delivering IPIC’s roadmap and action plans through creating EDI principles, practices, standards, programs and events that align with IPIC’s culture and make a positive, sustainable impact.
Loreto also leads IPIC's IP Assist Program. She oversees the administration of the IP Assist program, including the work of the Project Manager for IP Assist. She also oversees the successful creation and management of the database of experts and volunteers interested in taking part in the program by the project manager. Loreto leads the success of the program by managing the project manager in connecting IP experts with NRC-IRAP SMEs and in setting up the logistics of the presentations.
The Director of Communications and Member Services is responsible for the development and successful implementation of the communications and member services strategies and associated work plans for the Intellectual Property Institute of Canada (IPIC). The role is also responsible for working with a small but dynamic team to ensure membership engagement, recruitment, and retention efforts in support of maintaining a high member value proposition for members of IPIC.
Kim is responsible for the planning, coordination and organization of IPIC's annual conference, professional development courses, webinars and other related events. Contact Kim for any questions related to course or event registrations and sponsorship inquiries.
As Manager of Member Services, Asha is responsible for enhancing membership engagement, as well as recruitment and retention strategies. She also provides support to IPIC's Board of Directors and to IPIC's committee members. Contact Asha for questions regarding membership services and committees.
Jacilyn is responsible for supporting the coordination, organization and logistics for IPIC’s professional development offerings. Contact Jacilyn for questions regarding upcoming webinars and courses.
Robyn is responsible for proposing, developing and maintaining, the overall appearance, design and branding of all communications and marketing collateral. Contact Robyn for any advertising inquiries.
Samantha works with the Stakeholder Relations team in the coordination and execution of IPIC’s partnership with NRC-IRAP IP Assist. Samantha manages the administration of the IP Assist program, including the the management of the database of experts and volunteers interested in taking part in the program. For information on IP Assist how your SME can qualify for the program or how you can contribute as an IP professional to the success of Canadian SMEs, contact Samantha.
Nathaniel is an intellectual property litigator and strategist, with an emphasis on patent, commercial IP, and IP-adjacent life sciences regulatory issues. Nathaniel’s litigation practice includes all types of technology-driven IP litigation. He acted in Canada’s first litigation involving the patentability of human genes and in litigation that led to revamping of Canadian Intellectual Property Office guidelines for patentability of computer-implemented subject-matter. Nathaniel is a registered Canadian patent and trademark agent and serves numerous emerging and high-growth company clients on mission-critical IP issues. Nathaniel also formerly chaired IPIC’s Life Sciences Committee.
Nathaniel also has a depth of experience advising on international trade-related intellectual property matters, having served as Chair of IPIC’s IP Trade Policy Committee during Canada’s negotiation of the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement and Trans-Pacific Partnership.
Jason Hynes is a partner with Bereskin & Parr LLP, and Head of the Waterloo Region office. Jason’s patent practice focuses on mechanical, telecommunications and software innovations. In particular, he has a strong interest in working with high tech entrepreneurs and start-ups. Jason is also available to assist clients in trademark, copyright, trade secret, and related intellectual property licensing matters and disputes.
Prior to joining Bereskin & Parr, Jason gained valuable industry experience in litigation and patent preparation while working for a worldwide mobile communications company. Jason also gained experience in mechanical design and manufacturing engineering while completing his undergraduate co-op terms in the automotive and high-tech manufacturing fields.
Jason is Chair of the Intellectual Property Institute of Canada's (IPIC) Trade Policy Committee. He is also the Chair of the Kitchener-Waterloo Intellectual Property Group (KWIPG).
Jason is an Adjunct Professor at the Western University, Faculty of Law where he teaches a course on Advanced Intellectual Property. He made the University Students’ Council (USC) Teaching Honour Roll for the academic year 2016-17.
Elizabeth regularly advises corporations on in-depth intangible asset management including licensing, contract, and transactional work with particular emphasis on assisting SMEs achieve their long-term legal strategy to leverage their intellectual capital and assist in the overall growth and development of their company. In her litigation practice, Elizabeth represents clients in matters before the Federal Court, Federal Court of Appeal, Ontario Superior Court and Ontario Court of Appeal. Elizabeth gained significant experience in the intellectual property litigation group of a major national firm and continued her practice at the nation`s top ranked litigation boutique before founding Dipchand LLP.
Elizabeth is a member of IPIC's Conference and IP Trade Policy committees.
Paula has over 26 years of experience as a corporate/commercial and trademark lawyer and is certified by the Law Society of Ontario as a Specialist in IP (Trademarks). Her background in business and intellectual property law is an asset to her clients. Paula has a significant local practice, and her clients range from start-ups and SMEs to publicly-traded companies.
Paula served on IPIC's Board of Directors from 2018 to 2020. She has also served as Chair of IPIC’s Indigenous IP Committee, the International Trademark Issues Committee and the Sole and Small Practice Network.
Tim Lowman is head of the Aird & Berlis' Intellectual Property Group and a member of its Litigation & Dispute Resolution Group. He is known as a client-centric, forward-thinking, detail-oriented and personable lawyer. Clients and colleagues recommend him for his consistent excellence in the diverse areas in which he practices. He is a Certified Specialist in civil litigation as well as a registered Canadian Trademark Agent, a Certified Arbitrator and a Certified Licensing Professional.
Tim has more than 35 years of experience as counsel in a broad range of commercial and intellectual property litigation, including patent, trademark, copyright, professional errors and omissions, trade secrets, invention ownership, product liability and employment law claims.
Tim is Chair of IPIC's Insurance Committee.
Neil is currently Associate General Counsel, Intellectual Property at Shopify where he advises on all aspects of intellectual property. He is also responsible for the prosecution of Shopify's worldwide patent portfolio and contributes to the protection and enforcement of Shopify's trademarks. Neil is a lawyer admitted to the bars of Ontario and New York and is a licensed patent agent and trademark agent. Neil is also a professional engineer with a background in computer engineering and has a particular interest in the protection of computer-implemented inventions.
Neil is currently a member of IPIC's Patent Committee and its In-House Practitioner Community and previously served on the Internet and Technology Committee.
Catherine (Cat) Lovrics is a Partner at Marks & Clerk Canada and Head of the firm’s Trademark and Copyright Groups. Cat’s practice focuses on trademarks, copyright, personality and publicity rights, marketing and advertising law, consumer protection and data and privacy law.
Cat is among Canada’s leading copyright and trademark practitioners. She has helped national and multinational clients protect, exploit, and enforce their IP in a wide range of industries, from creative and emergent tech to fashion and food. Cat manages large trademark portfolios. She has coordinated clearance and filing projects, consumer products, licensing programs, and enforcement and anti-counterfeiting programs. She handles all aspects of trademark and copyright clearance, rights acquisition, licensing, and enforcement.
Cat is the most recent Chair of the Intellectual Property Institute of Canada’s Copyright Committee. She is a Member of the Canadian Trademark Opposition Board’s Advisory Committee. Cat has served as an expert witness on IP matters before Canada’s Standing Committee on Industry and Technology. She is a Board member of Artists and Lawyers for the Advancement of Creativity, which coordinates the pro bono clinic Artists’ Legal Advice Services, commonly known as ALAS.
Cat is a Co-Chair of the Canadian chapters of the Copyright Society of the USA, and a former Trustee of the Society. She also serves on Ad Standards Council and presides over consumer advertising complaints. Over the years, Cat has received various awards and accolades.
Jenn practices exclusively in the trademark field as a trademark agent with Coastal Trademark Services. She manages all aspects of trademark registration and maintenance including clearance, prosecution, opposition and cancellation. She provides practical, strategic advice to clients concerning brand protection and trademark usage. In addition to practicing in Canada, Jenn is recognized to represent clients before the United States Patent and Trademark Office in trademark cases.
Jenn previously served as chair of the Trademark Administrators Committee where she helped launch and develop IPIC’s certification program for trademark administrators. She has also been an instructor for IPIC’s Trademark Agent Examination Prep Course and a mentor in IPIC’s mentor program.
Jordana is a top-notch advocate, recognized on a national and global level for her deep expertise in all areas of intellectual property law, particularly in patent and trademark disputes. Jordana is also particularly well known for her expertise in the pharmaceutical and life sciences industries, among others. She regularly acts in proceedings under the Patented Medicines (Notice of Compliance) Regulations, patent impeachment and infringement actions, judicial review proceedings, and damages actions. She also regularly works with clients concerning the protection and optimization of their intellectual property portfolios and enforcement of their intellectual property rights.
Louis-Pierre Gravelle is a partner with Bereskin & Parr LLP, and a member of the Electrical & Computer Technology practice group. He is a recognized leading professional in the high-tech and artificial intelligence areas. Louis-Pierre’s practice focuses on patent and technology law, particularly obtaining and leveraging intellectual property rights for startups, SMEs and large companies to support them in their commercial growth and business success.
Louis-Pierre has served as a member of the IPIC Patent Practice and Professional Regulation committees.
Béatrice T. Ngatcha is a lawyer and patent agent in Lavery’s intellectual property group. She is a patent agent registered to practice in Canada and the United States. She is also a lawyer called to the Ontario Bar and a member of the Quebec Bar (c.j.c). Béatrice holds a doctoral degree in chemistry from Université Laval and has been a post-doctoral fellow at the National Research Council in Ottawa. In addition to a busy patent prosecution practice serving Canadian and foreign clients, Beatrice’s expertise in sought in the areas of intellectual property litigation, trade secrets, due diligence, strategy, portfolio value building, licensing and arbitration.
Béatrice was the Editor of the CIPR from 2019 to 2021 and the Chair of IPIC's Membership & Information Committee from 2015 to 2019.
Jason Markwell is a leading intellectual property litigator in Canada. He represents domestic and multinational corporations in a wide-range of industries, including life sciences, technology, financial services, manufacturing, mining and energy. He is well-known for his work on behalf of innovative pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies in patent infringement and regulatory disputes. He also provides advice in regard to the protection and enforcement of trade marks, copyright and trade secrets.
Jason is a current member of IPIC's Litigation Committee and previously sat on the Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee and Patent Legislation Committee.
Stephanie Chong is a trademark agent, lawyer and partner with the Toronto firm of Hoffer Adler LLP. Stephanie’s practice focuses on the acquisition, enforcement and maintenance of trademarks, including providing clients with business-oriented advice about their brand strategy from an IP perspective. Stephanie has broad experience in clearing, registering and licensing trademarks, as well as in representing clients in proceedings before the Trademarks Opposition Board and the Federal Court.
Stephanie has served on the Internet Committee, and Litigation Committee, has Chaired the Forums & Seminars Committee and the Indigenous IP Committee. She is a frequent speaker and writer on a wide range of IP topics, and regularly mentors students and young lawyers who have an interest in the IP profession.
Jonathan Auerbach is a partner, patent agent and trademark agent in the Intellectual Property Group at Stikeman Elliott. He has a broad range of experience in all aspects of intellectual property, with a particular emphasis on patent, trademark and copyright litigation, prosecution, licensing, counseling and transactions. Jonathan also has extensive experience in the acquisition, clearance, prosecution, enforcement and licensing of trademarks, including representing clients in trademark opposition proceedings and Section 45 expungement proceedings.
Jonathan joined the IPIC Board of Directors in 2020 and is a past Chair of IPIC's Internet Committee.
Honorary members
As the chief executive officer of the organization, Adam is responsible for the development and implementation of the strategic plan set by the Board of Directors. This also includes responsibility for government relations, stakeholder and member relations, business planning, and the day-to-day operation of the organization.
Anne-Josée is responsible for the professional training and continuing education opportunities offered in all areas of IP practice. She oversees the development and implementation of examining prep courses for the designations of patent agent and trademark agent, as well as the certification of patent administrator and trademark administrator. Anne-Josée manages the IPIC Mentorship Program. Contact Anne-Josée for questions regarding educational programs and initiatives.
Loreto is responsible for helping IPIC achieve its Outreach & Awareness goal identified in its Strategic Plan. She also helps raise awareness of the value of IP for business planning. Contact Loreto if you require a speaker on an IP topic, wish to discuss partnership opportunities or want to know more about how your organization can promote the importance of IP to businesses.
Loreto also provides overall leadership and strategic direction related to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) initiatives that include developing and delivering IPIC’s roadmap and action plans through creating EDI principles, practices, standards, programs and events that align with IPIC’s culture and make a positive, sustainable impact.
Loreto also leads IPIC's IP Assist Program. She oversees the administration of the IP Assist program, including the work of the Project Manager for IP Assist. She also oversees the successful creation and management of the database of experts and volunteers interested in taking part in the program by the project manager. Loreto leads the success of the program by managing the project manager in connecting IP experts with NRC-IRAP SMEs and in setting up the logistics of the presentations.
The Director of Communications and Member Services is responsible for the development and successful implementation of the communications and member services strategies and associated work plans for the Intellectual Property Institute of Canada (IPIC). The role is also responsible for working with a small but dynamic team to ensure membership engagement, recruitment, and retention efforts in support of maintaining a high member value proposition for members of IPIC.
Kim is responsible for the planning, coordination and organization of IPIC's annual conference, professional development courses, webinars and other related events. Contact Kim for any questions related to course or event registrations and sponsorship inquiries.
As Manager of Member Services, Asha is responsible for enhancing membership engagement, as well as recruitment and retention strategies. She also provides support to IPIC's Board of Directors and to IPIC's committee members. Contact Asha for questions regarding membership services and committees.
Jacilyn is responsible for supporting the coordination, organization and logistics for IPIC’s professional development offerings. Contact Jacilyn for questions regarding upcoming webinars and courses.
Robyn is responsible for proposing, developing and maintaining, the overall appearance, design and branding of all communications and marketing collateral. Contact Robyn for any advertising inquiries.
Samantha works with the Stakeholder Relations team in the coordination and execution of IPIC’s partnership with NRC-IRAP IP Assist. Samantha manages the administration of the IP Assist program, including the the management of the database of experts and volunteers interested in taking part in the program. For information on IP Assist how your SME can qualify for the program or how you can contribute as an IP professional to the success of Canadian SMEs, contact Samantha.
Nathaniel is an intellectual property litigator and strategist, with an emphasis on patent, commercial IP, and IP-adjacent life sciences regulatory issues. Nathaniel’s litigation practice includes all types of technology-driven IP litigation. He acted in Canada’s first litigation involving the patentability of human genes and in litigation that led to revamping of Canadian Intellectual Property Office guidelines for patentability of computer-implemented subject-matter. Nathaniel is a registered Canadian patent and trademark agent and serves numerous emerging and high-growth company clients on mission-critical IP issues. Nathaniel also formerly chaired IPIC’s Life Sciences Committee.
Nathaniel also has a depth of experience advising on international trade-related intellectual property matters, having served as Chair of IPIC’s IP Trade Policy Committee during Canada’s negotiation of the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement and Trans-Pacific Partnership.
Jason Hynes is a partner with Bereskin & Parr LLP, and Head of the Waterloo Region office. Jason’s patent practice focuses on mechanical, telecommunications and software innovations. In particular, he has a strong interest in working with high tech entrepreneurs and start-ups. Jason is also available to assist clients in trademark, copyright, trade secret, and related intellectual property licensing matters and disputes.
Prior to joining Bereskin & Parr, Jason gained valuable industry experience in litigation and patent preparation while working for a worldwide mobile communications company. Jason also gained experience in mechanical design and manufacturing engineering while completing his undergraduate co-op terms in the automotive and high-tech manufacturing fields.
Jason is Chair of the Intellectual Property Institute of Canada's (IPIC) Trade Policy Committee. He is also the Chair of the Kitchener-Waterloo Intellectual Property Group (KWIPG).
Jason is an Adjunct Professor at the Western University, Faculty of Law where he teaches a course on Advanced Intellectual Property. He made the University Students’ Council (USC) Teaching Honour Roll for the academic year 2016-17.
Elizabeth regularly advises corporations on in-depth intangible asset management including licensing, contract, and transactional work with particular emphasis on assisting SMEs achieve their long-term legal strategy to leverage their intellectual capital and assist in the overall growth and development of their company. In her litigation practice, Elizabeth represents clients in matters before the Federal Court, Federal Court of Appeal, Ontario Superior Court and Ontario Court of Appeal. Elizabeth gained significant experience in the intellectual property litigation group of a major national firm and continued her practice at the nation`s top ranked litigation boutique before founding Dipchand LLP.
Elizabeth is a member of IPIC's Conference and IP Trade Policy committees.
Paula has over 26 years of experience as a corporate/commercial and trademark lawyer and is certified by the Law Society of Ontario as a Specialist in IP (Trademarks). Her background in business and intellectual property law is an asset to her clients. Paula has a significant local practice, and her clients range from start-ups and SMEs to publicly-traded companies.
Paula served on IPIC's Board of Directors from 2018 to 2020. She has also served as Chair of IPIC’s Indigenous IP Committee, the International Trademark Issues Committee and the Sole and Small Practice Network.
Tim Lowman is head of the Aird & Berlis' Intellectual Property Group and a member of its Litigation & Dispute Resolution Group. He is known as a client-centric, forward-thinking, detail-oriented and personable lawyer. Clients and colleagues recommend him for his consistent excellence in the diverse areas in which he practices. He is a Certified Specialist in civil litigation as well as a registered Canadian Trademark Agent, a Certified Arbitrator and a Certified Licensing Professional.
Tim has more than 35 years of experience as counsel in a broad range of commercial and intellectual property litigation, including patent, trademark, copyright, professional errors and omissions, trade secrets, invention ownership, product liability and employment law claims.
Tim is Chair of IPIC's Insurance Committee.
Neil is currently Associate General Counsel, Intellectual Property at Shopify where he advises on all aspects of intellectual property. He is also responsible for the prosecution of Shopify's worldwide patent portfolio and contributes to the protection and enforcement of Shopify's trademarks. Neil is a lawyer admitted to the bars of Ontario and New York and is a licensed patent agent and trademark agent. Neil is also a professional engineer with a background in computer engineering and has a particular interest in the protection of computer-implemented inventions.
Neil is currently a member of IPIC's Patent Committee and its In-House Practitioner Community and previously served on the Internet and Technology Committee.
Catherine (Cat) Lovrics is a Partner at Marks & Clerk Canada and Head of the firm’s Trademark and Copyright Groups. Cat’s practice focuses on trademarks, copyright, personality and publicity rights, marketing and advertising law, consumer protection and data and privacy law.
Cat is among Canada’s leading copyright and trademark practitioners. She has helped national and multinational clients protect, exploit, and enforce their IP in a wide range of industries, from creative and emergent tech to fashion and food. Cat manages large trademark portfolios. She has coordinated clearance and filing projects, consumer products, licensing programs, and enforcement and anti-counterfeiting programs. She handles all aspects of trademark and copyright clearance, rights acquisition, licensing, and enforcement.
Cat is the most recent Chair of the Intellectual Property Institute of Canada’s Copyright Committee. She is a Member of the Canadian Trademark Opposition Board’s Advisory Committee. Cat has served as an expert witness on IP matters before Canada’s Standing Committee on Industry and Technology. She is a Board member of Artists and Lawyers for the Advancement of Creativity, which coordinates the pro bono clinic Artists’ Legal Advice Services, commonly known as ALAS.
Cat is a Co-Chair of the Canadian chapters of the Copyright Society of the USA, and a former Trustee of the Society. She also serves on Ad Standards Council and presides over consumer advertising complaints. Over the years, Cat has received various awards and accolades.
Jenn practices exclusively in the trademark field as a trademark agent with Coastal Trademark Services. She manages all aspects of trademark registration and maintenance including clearance, prosecution, opposition and cancellation. She provides practical, strategic advice to clients concerning brand protection and trademark usage. In addition to practicing in Canada, Jenn is recognized to represent clients before the United States Patent and Trademark Office in trademark cases.
Jenn previously served as chair of the Trademark Administrators Committee where she helped launch and develop IPIC’s certification program for trademark administrators. She has also been an instructor for IPIC’s Trademark Agent Examination Prep Course and a mentor in IPIC’s mentor program.
Jordana is a top-notch advocate, recognized on a national and global level for her deep expertise in all areas of intellectual property law, particularly in patent and trademark disputes. Jordana is also particularly well known for her expertise in the pharmaceutical and life sciences industries, among others. She regularly acts in proceedings under the Patented Medicines (Notice of Compliance) Regulations, patent impeachment and infringement actions, judicial review proceedings, and damages actions. She also regularly works with clients concerning the protection and optimization of their intellectual property portfolios and enforcement of their intellectual property rights.
Louis-Pierre Gravelle is a partner with Bereskin & Parr LLP, and a member of the Electrical & Computer Technology practice group. He is a recognized leading professional in the high-tech and artificial intelligence areas. Louis-Pierre’s practice focuses on patent and technology law, particularly obtaining and leveraging intellectual property rights for startups, SMEs and large companies to support them in their commercial growth and business success.
Louis-Pierre has served as a member of the IPIC Patent Practice and Professional Regulation committees.
Béatrice T. Ngatcha is a lawyer and patent agent in Lavery’s intellectual property group. She is a patent agent registered to practice in Canada and the United States. She is also a lawyer called to the Ontario Bar and a member of the Quebec Bar (c.j.c). Béatrice holds a doctoral degree in chemistry from Université Laval and has been a post-doctoral fellow at the National Research Council in Ottawa. In addition to a busy patent prosecution practice serving Canadian and foreign clients, Beatrice’s expertise in sought in the areas of intellectual property litigation, trade secrets, due diligence, strategy, portfolio value building, licensing and arbitration.
Béatrice was the Editor of the CIPR from 2019 to 2021 and the Chair of IPIC's Membership & Information Committee from 2015 to 2019.
Jason Markwell is a leading intellectual property litigator in Canada. He represents domestic and multinational corporations in a wide-range of industries, including life sciences, technology, financial services, manufacturing, mining and energy. He is well-known for his work on behalf of innovative pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies in patent infringement and regulatory disputes. He also provides advice in regard to the protection and enforcement of trade marks, copyright and trade secrets.
Jason is a current member of IPIC's Litigation Committee and previously sat on the Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee and Patent Legislation Committee.
Stephanie Chong is a trademark agent, lawyer and partner with the Toronto firm of Hoffer Adler LLP. Stephanie’s practice focuses on the acquisition, enforcement and maintenance of trademarks, including providing clients with business-oriented advice about their brand strategy from an IP perspective. Stephanie has broad experience in clearing, registering and licensing trademarks, as well as in representing clients in proceedings before the Trademarks Opposition Board and the Federal Court.
Stephanie has served on the Internet Committee, and Litigation Committee, has Chaired the Forums & Seminars Committee and the Indigenous IP Committee. She is a frequent speaker and writer on a wide range of IP topics, and regularly mentors students and young lawyers who have an interest in the IP profession.
Jonathan Auerbach is a partner, patent agent and trademark agent in the Intellectual Property Group at Stikeman Elliott. He has a broad range of experience in all aspects of intellectual property, with a particular emphasis on patent, trademark and copyright litigation, prosecution, licensing, counseling and transactions. Jonathan also has extensive experience in the acquisition, clearance, prosecution, enforcement and licensing of trademarks, including representing clients in trademark opposition proceedings and Section 45 expungement proceedings.
Jonathan joined the IPIC Board of Directors in 2020 and is a past Chair of IPIC's Internet Committee.
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