Event Listing

Canadian IP Update 2026: Policy, Practice and Recent Developments

29Jun

CIPA is delighted to be hosting our colleagues from the Intellectual Property Institute of Canada (IPIC) for an in-person seminar during their summer visit. Delegates from IPIC will provide an update on recent IPIC advocacy and policy initiatives, developments at the Canadian Patent and Trademark Offices, key intellectual property case law from the past two years, and ongoing efforts to strengthen IP strategy education across Canada. This seminar offers a valuable opportunity to gain insight into the evolving Canadian IP landscape from leading Canadian practitioners. Spaces will be limited, so book early to avoid disappointment.

Audience

All

Programme & Speakers

Monday 29 June 2026

14:00 - 14:30 - Tea/Coffee and Registration
14:30 – 14:40 - Welcome and Introductions
Speakers
Simon Wright, CIPA President, Schlich Ltd
Simon Wright, CIPA President, Schlich Ltd

Simon has a Chemistry (with Biochemistry) degree from Bristol University and qualified as a UK patent attorney in 1990. He became a European Patent Attorney in 1992 while with Kilburn & Strode and joined J A Kemp in 1994. He became a partner in J A Kemp’s biotechnology group in 2005 and moved to Schlich on the south coast in January 2022.

Simon handles patent and trade mark work in a wide variety of life science, chemical and pharma fields, including stem cells, human genes and genomics, drug delivery systems, contrast agents, GM crops, algae technology and CRISPR technology. He also handles mechanical work ranging from drones to electric vehicle charging. He works for a broad variety of clients ranging from individuals, SMEs and private clients up to UK universities and biotechnology start-ups. He also acts for EU and US genomics and academic institutions.

Simon chaired CIPA’s Life Sciences Committee for 20 years and relinquished that role earlier this year. He still Chairs the epi Biotech committee. He is a member of CIPA’s Council, Patents Committee and International Liaison Committee. He is a member of epi Council and the By-Laws committee and has been selected to be a member of SACEPO.

He is currently the President of CIPA for 2026.

He enjoys wine, gigs, playing the sax, running and cycling.

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14:40 – 15:10 - IPIC Advocacy/Updates
Speakers
Jason Hynes, Smart & Biggar (IPIC President)
Jason Hynes, Smart & Biggar (IPIC President)
Jason completed his mechanical engineering degree at the University of Waterloo, worked in mechanical design in the automotive sector and subsequently in electronics manufacturing.
Jason is an Adjunct Professor at Western University in the Faculty of Law where he regularly teaches courses on Advanced Intellectual Property and Advanced Patent Law. He has won several teaching awards in this role.
Jason has served on various advisory committees in the intellectual property field, including on the board of directors of the Intellectual Property Institute of Canada (IPIC), and on the Registration Committee for the College of Patent and Trademark Agents (CPATA). He is currently serving on the Executive Committee of IPIC as President.
15:10 – 15:40 - Status of Canadian Patent Office
Speakers
Jason Hynes, Smart & Biggar (IPIC President)
Jason Hynes, Smart & Biggar (IPIC President)
Jason completed his mechanical engineering degree at the University of Waterloo, worked in mechanical design in the automotive sector and subsequently in electronics manufacturing.
Jason is an Adjunct Professor at Western University in the Faculty of Law where he regularly teaches courses on Advanced Intellectual Property and Advanced Patent Law. He has won several teaching awards in this role.
Jason has served on various advisory committees in the intellectual property field, including on the board of directors of the Intellectual Property Institute of Canada (IPIC), and on the Registration Committee for the College of Patent and Trademark Agents (CPATA). He is currently serving on the Executive Committee of IPIC as President.
15:40 – 16:00 - Refreshment Break
16:00 – 16:30 - Highlights of relevant Canadian IP Case Law over the last two years + IPIC Efforts on IP Strategy Education
Speakers
Elizabeth Dipchand, Dipchand LLP (IPIC Vice President)
Elizabeth Dipchand, Dipchand LLP (IPIC Vice President)

Elizabeth Dipchand is a seasoned advocate and trusted advisor specializing in intellectual property (IP) law. She advises corporations on acquiring, managing, and enforcing intellectual capital, developing long-term strategies that support growth and innovation. With a robust litigation practice, Elizabeth represents clients in industries such as pharmaceuticals, biotech, SaaS, and wireless communications before the Federal Court, Ontario courts, and beyond.

Elizabeth’s solicitor practice encompasses licensing, contracts, and transactional work, helping SMEs and larger corporations leverage their intellectual assets for sustained development. She has extensive experience in pharmaceutical and biotech patent litigation, drug and biologics regulatory law, and proceedings under the Patented Medicines (Notice of Compliance) Regulations. Her clients value her ability to coordinate global IP management and enforcement strategies across critical jurisdictions.

Elizabeth serves on the Boards of the Intellectual Property Institute of Canada (IPIC), FORA: Network for Change, and the Shaw Festival Theater. She also judges the RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards. A visionary leader and dedicated advocate, Elizabeth combines sharp legal expertise with a passion for fostering business growth, innovation, and community impact. Beyond her professional commitments, she enjoys baking and the challenge of puzzling.

16:30 – 17:00 - Status of Canadian TM Office and TM Issues in Canada
Speakers
Joanne Nardi, Nardi IP Consulting (IPIC Secretary)
Joanne Nardi, Nardi IP Consulting (IPIC Secretary)

Joanne is a licensed trademark agent and Principal at Joanne Nardi IP Consulting Services Inc. Over the course of her career, she has advised major corporations as an in-house Global IP Director, and outside consultant.

Carolyn DeFreese, MLT Aiken (IPIC Director)
Carolyn DeFreese, MLT Aiken (IPIC Director)

Carolyn is a highly experienced trademark agent with more than 25 years of experience advising clients on registering, protecting and strategically managing trademarks in Canada, the United States and internationally. She is known for her practical, business-focused approach to IP strategy and her ability to manage complex portfolios, contentious matters and global brand protection challenges.

17:00 – 18:30 - Drinks Reception

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