Springboard to host Atlantic IP Forum May 27

Springboard to host Atlantic IP Forum May 27
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From the Springboard Content Lab

Are you an Atlantic Canadian startup or small business interested in intellectual property?

The Springboard Atlantic IP Forum will assemble experts to help you understand the importance of protecting your business ideas with IP. The forum takes place on May 27, 1 pm – 4:30 pm.

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This virtual and in-person event will feature the team of IP counsellors from Springboard IP Advantage, and IP experts from CIPO, Dalhousie Office of Commercialization and Industry Engagement, and law firms across the country. The forum will cover topics such as IP Hygiene, Maximizing the value of your IP and IP searching techniques.

In person events will be held at:

  • Volta, Halifax – 801 – 1800 Argyle Street, Halifax, NS B3J 3N8.
  • Venn Innovation, Moncton – 735 Main St, Moncton NB E1C 1E5
  • Planet Hatch, Fredericton – 50 Crowther Lane, Fredericton NB E3C 0J1
  • Genesis, St. John’s – Suite 0100, 100 Signal Hill Road, St. John’s, NL A1A 1B3

Tickets are required for both online and in-person attendance.

Session 1: Understanding IP Hygiene 1:30 pm

IP hygiene refers to the critical practices for managing and protecting your intellectual property (IP)—such as trademarks, patents, industrial designs, copyrights, and trade secrets—to ensure they remain secure, enforceable, and retain their value over time.

In this panel session, experts will discuss best practices and key strategies related to IP management, chain of title, ownership clarity, contract clauses, and aligning IP practices with your business model. Real-world examples will demonstrate how these strategies are implemented effectively.

This panel will be led by IP lawyers

  • Erin Best, Partner & Trademark Agent, Stewart McKelvey
  • Paula Clancy, Lawyer, Trademark Agent, Certified Specialist – IP (Trademarks), Gowling WLG’s Ottawa
  • Alison Hayman, Partner Intellectual Property, Osler Hoskin & Harcourt LLP, Toronto

Session 2: Maximizing the Value of your IP, 2:30 pm

Unlock the true potential of your intellectual property (IP) in this engaging session. IP is one of the most valuable assets a business can have, and understanding how to maximize its value is key to commercial success. Gain practical insights on leveraging your IP for both financial and strategic advantages.

Explore what venture capitalists look for in IP, how to craft an effective cease and desist letter, and the benefits of having a “patent pending”. We’ll also discuss branding, licensing, and the value of patent ownership, with real-world case studies showcasing how these strategies can be applied to grow your business.

This will be led by:

  • Adam Haller, Managing Director, Commercialization & Licensing, Dalhousie Office of Commercialization and Industry Engagement and Springboard Industry Engagement Professional
  • Andre Gallant, IP Advisor, Canada’s IP office, the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO), IP Awareness & Education Directorate.

Session 3: Effective IP Searching Techniques, 3:15 pm

We will explore how to conduct your own IP searches and recognize the junctures at which professional IP assistance is invaluable. We’ll discuss hands-on strategies for searching patents, trademarks, copyrights, and industrial designs using the right tools and databases. Conducting preliminary searches on your own can provide immediate insights and competitive intelligence. These searches can be a cost-effective means to identify IP that can be protected, as well as pinpoint areas where one should tread carefully due to existing IP rights held by others. Such initial efforts can also refine the scope of subsequent professional searches, rendering them more focused and efficient.

The complexity and critical nature of IP often requires a deeper analysis that an IP professional can offer. IP professionals bring to the table advanced tools and an in-depth understanding of both IP law and the technology involved, which are essential for a comprehensive search. An IP professional’s search insights can uncover a broader scope of relevant IP, deliver intelligence that could potentially reshape research and development strategies, enhance competitive positioning, and help to circumvent potential IP infringement issues.

By mastering personal search techniques and understanding the benefits of professional IP searches, you can ensure a well-rounded approach to IP due diligence, informed business decisions and a fortified IP portfolio.

This session is led by:

  • Dr. Faylene Lunn, Partner, Intellectual Property, Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP, Ottawa
  • Nancy Deng, Partner, Patent Agent, Gowling WGL, Ottawa

Session 4: Ask an Expert, 3:45 pm

This is an opportunity to ask your questions and get advice from our group of experts.  Whether you need clarification on complex IP issues, strategies for protecting your assets, IP search techniques, or guidance on specific challenges, our experts are here to help. Bring your toughest questions and take advantage of this valuable chance to gain insights tailored to your needs.

Springboard’s IP Advantage program provides IP support to startups in Atlantic Canada. It is supported by the Elevate IP program from ISED.

Read more on IPAdvantage programs, eligibility and how to apply.