Accelerate IP

IP Speaker Series: Preparing your IP to License and for M&A
2025-04-24 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Virtual
Join us for a deep dive on strategies to monetize your IP, including licensing strategies and prepping for M&A. In a casual conversation, we will explore key concepts and strategies that startups should think about when structuring and organizing their IP for an eventual transaction.
​Why This Chat?
​In the startup world, IP is created every day. But, while most founders are focused on selling a product or service that leverages or uses their IP, the IP itself can often be valuable. Competitors, distributors, and channel partners may all be interested in licensing or even purchasing your IP. Companies in different industries may also be interested.
​Hear from a leading IP practitioner on strategies she has used with her clients when preparing them for a licensing or M&A transaction. Key considerations will be discussed including understanding key risks and frameworks for how to track and manage IP usage and different monetization schemes. Come listen to practical advice every IP- focused startup should know and implement early to help with an eventual IP transaction down the road.
​What You’ll Gain:
​● Insider Knowledge: Delve into some key concepts on how best to think about valuing IP.
● Real-World Wisdom: Engage with firsthand stories and experiences on how leading technology companies and scale-ups prepare for an eventual transaction.
● Practical Takeaways: Discover strategies on how to take small, easily digestible steps now that can save you money and headache in the future.
● Community and Q&A: This fireside chat format encourages dialogue. Bring your questions, share your experiences, and learn from peers navigating the same challenges.
​Who Should Join?
​Whether you’re at the seed stage or scaling rapidly, if your startup is navigating the tech ecosystem, this conversation is for you. Founders, tech innovators, and anyone vested in the future of intellectual property in the startup space— gather ’round the fire.
About the Session:
This isn’t just another lecture on IP rights; it’s a chance to join a community of like-minded individuals ready to tackle the complexities of IP strategy together. We’re peeling back the layers of legal jargon to reveal the actionable steps you can take to protect your company’s most valuable assets.
​We are pleased to welcome our Guest Speaker, Kate Goddard, and Host, Byron Thom:
​Kate Goddard
Kate Goddard is a commercial lawyer based in British Columbia specializing in commercial agreements, emerging technology and intellectual property law. Her current role is as Director, Legal, at Wealthsimple Technologies Inc. Kate holds degrees in common law and civil law from McGill University, as well as a bachelors of social science from the University of Ottawa. She is also a registered trademarks agent, and has been an instructor in intellectual property law for startups with the Creative Destruction Labs at the University of British Columbia.
Kate is on the board of the Canadian Light Source, Canada’s national synchrotron light source facility. She also helped start the Captain Nichola Goddard Fund with True Patriot Love, supporting female veterans and serving members through a national leadership series connecting leaders of corporate Canada with leaders in the Canadian Armed Forces.
​Byron Thom
​Byron is a lifelong technology enthusiast who has worn many hats in his tech career. Trained as an engineer and a lawyer, he practiced at one of the leading IP boutiques in Canada helping startups and multinationals protect their technological assets. He is a start-up founder and patented inventor who drafted and prosecuted his company’s own patent applications. As a venture capitalist and board member, he works with his portfolio companies to develop IP strategies to focus their limited resources on key assets that matter to the business, to investors and to potential acquirers.
Register Here

Office Hours with Chang Han
2025-04-18 11:00 - 15:30, 2025-04-11 11:00 - 15:30, 2025-04-04 11:00 - 15:30, 2025-03-28 11:00 - 15:30, 2025-03-21 11:00 - 15:30, 2025-03-14 11:00 - 15:30, 2025-03-07 11:00 - 15:30, 2025-03-07 08:00 - 17:00 and 8 more dates | Virtual
Interested in AccelerateIP but not sure which stream suits you best?
Book a time with our IP Executive in Residence and former IP Lawyer, Chang Han, during his virtual Office Hours!
​Whether you have questions about the right program or need guidance on AccelerateIP, Chang is here to help you navigate your options.
​
Please note, this isn’t legal advice but a chance to explore your opportunities within our programs.
Times available for booking – between 11AM to 3:30PM.

Register Here

Workshop: Entering IP Agreements
2025-04-17 13:30 - 15:30
Are you ready to navigate the complexities of IP agreements with confidence? Whether you’re collaborating with partners, licensing technology, or safeguarding your innovations, understanding the key steps and pitfalls is critical to success.
Join us for an interactive session where you’ll gain expert insights into:

Non Disclosure Agreements
Material Transfer Agreements
Licensing Agreements
Co-Developments
General Agreements that include IP clauses

Don’t miss this chance to sharpen your skills, learn from real-world case studies, and empower your business collaborations.
Eligibility:
Registration is limited to 25 startups to ensure an individualized experience with direct access to our IP Professionals.
This workshop is intended for participants who have, at minimum a basic knowledge of IP. Some examples of meeting this include, but are not limited to, completion of:
Stream 1: IP Certification Program
IP Pathways Program
Introduction to Intellectual Property Online Program
Please note that this workshop is open to participants located in British Columbia, Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut.

If you are outside of these provinces and territories, we invite you to participate in programming based in your location: https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/elevateip/en

Apply to register
Additional Information:

This workshop uses a Miro Board. If you’re unfamiliar with this platform, please watch a 3-minute explainer video before the workshop.

You are not required to sign up for a Miro account to attend this workshop.

About our presenters:
Houston Brown
Dr. Houston Brown is a registered patent agent (CA and US), a patented inventor, and a published researcher. He’s won numerous intellectual property awards and is an active contributor to the profession through his work with Canada’s College of Patent Agents and Trademark Agents.
​Houston practiced at a top-ranked international law firm and then went “in house” with a leading global technology provider to deepen his knowledge of the business side of intellectual property.
Erika Murray
Dr. Erika J. Murray is a commercial technology and intellectual property lawyer with a PhD in engineering. She has practiced at top-ranked international IP firms and, for the past five years, has served as fractional in-house counsel, providing strategic commercial contracting and IP legal advice to early-stage startups, VC-backed high-growth companies, and multinationals. Erika specializes in navigating IP risks, drafting and negotiating complex contracts, and driving commercialization strategies that position businesses across technology, energy, retail, and advanced engineering sectors for success.
Please note this event is designed to help you with your IP strategy, but it is not legal advice.

Investment Ready IP with Houston Brown | Partnered Event
2025-04-07 11:00 - 12:30
What does Investment-Ready IP look like for startups/scaleups trying to raise money?
To answer this question — join KAST & AccelerateIP for an insightful session with Dr. Houston Brown, Registered Patent Agent and IP Executive, where we’ll dive into the essential role of IP in scaling your business.
What you’ll learn:

a simple framework for de-coding IP considerations.
how to think about IP value and IP risk.
what an investment-ready patent portfolio looks like.
​how long its likely to take to build.
how much it’s likely to cost.

Event Details:

Date: Monday, April 7 2025
Time: 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm MDT (11:00 am to 12:30 pm PT)
Location: Ground Floor Coworking Space – 131 7th Avenue South, Cranbrook, BC V1C 2J3

Register Here

Intro to Intellectual Property
2025-02-04 12:00 - 14:00
Hosted by Prosper NWT in partnership with AccelerateIP

Feb 4 2025, Hybrid
1:00-3:00pm MST | 12:00-2:00pm PST

Protect and Grow Your Business with IP
Today’s rapidly evolving world, shaped by technological advancements, globalization, and shifting consumer demands, presents both exciting opportunities and significant challenges for entrepreneurs and small businesses. To fully capitalize on these changes, it’s critical for NWT businesses to recognize the IP value that they may already have in their businesses and to innovate and protect their intellectual property (IP).
This workshop will introduce the five main types of intellectual property (IP): trademarks; industrial designs; copyright; patents; and, trade secrets. As a new business owner, you’ll learn to identify already-existing IP that might intersect with your plans. As well, you’ll discover ways to create and protect assets that will grow your company.
About the Presenter
Beth Gallup is an Executive-in-Residence with New Ventures BC. Beth is passionate about entrepreneurial success, achieved through a deep understanding of the customer and a solid go-to-market plan. In her work with New Ventures BC, she often shares lessons learned though her own experience of founding, co-founding, buying and selling businesses. Beth is interested in intellectual property, manufacturer to consumer supply chains; outdoor safety, sport, off-grid and wearable technologies, plus environmentally-intelligent development, construction, and adaptive re-use.
Workshop Details

Hybrid event
Feb 4 2025
1:00-3:00pm MST | 12:00 – 2:00pm PST

Register for In-Person in Yellowknife, NT:

Prosper NWT’s office (5009-50th Avenue) in Yellowknife, NT
Email info@prospernwt.ca to register
There are limited spaces available.

Register to Join Online:

Use the button below to sign up for a link to access the workshop via Microsoft Teams.

Register Here

Info Session
2024-12-17 10:00 - 10:45 | Virtual
​Looking to apply for AccelerateIP this year?
Put your best application forward by joining our info session. You’ll learn about:
● ​Intake dates for all Streams
● ​Program updates and eligibility requirements
​● A better understanding of how the application process works
● Eligible activities and quotes
There will also be:
● Time for Q&A
● ​Application tips from the programs team
Hope to see you there! If there’s a topic you’d like to have covered, feel free to email us in advance— we’ll try our best to include it: accelerateip@newventuresbc.com
Register Here

Office Hours with Chang Han
2024-12-13 11:00 - 15:30, 2024-12-06 11:00 - 15:30, 2024-11-29 11:00 - 15:30, 2024-11-22 11:00 - 15:30, 2024-11-15 11:00 - 15:30
Interested in AccelerateIP but not sure which stream suits you best?
Book a time with our IP Executive in Residence and former IP Lawyer, Chang Han, during his virtual Office Hours!
​Whether you have questions about the right program or need guidance on AccelerateIP, Chang is here to help you navigate your options.
​
Please note, this isn’t legal advice but a chance to explore your opportunities within our programs.
Times available for booking on April 5th – times between 11AM to 3:30PM

Register Here!

Tech & Toast: A VentureLabs Breakfast Series
2024-12-11 09:30 - 10:30 | SFU Venture Labs, 555 W Hastings St, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6B 4N6, Canada
Tech & Toast: A VentureLabs Breakfast Series returns on December 11! Join us as we welcome Danika Kotylak, a lawyer from Dentons’ Vancouver office, for an engaging discussion on Navigating IP in Merger and Acquisition Transactions. Enjoy breakfast while gaining expert insights on how to increase IP value, navigate transaction structures, ensure ownership clarity, manage licensing impacts, and avoid due diligence pitfalls in mergers and acquisitions. Attendees will have a chance to ask questions at the end of the short presentation.
Where: VentureLabs office, 12th floor kitchen (1200 – 555 W Hastings St, Vancouver)
When: December 11, 9:30 AM -10:30 AM
Who: Science and technology company founders/leaders, AccelerateIP clients
Registration required
The series is a partnership between SFU VentureLabs and AccelerateIP, and includes a light breakfast limited to the first 30 attendees.
About the speaker: Danika Kotylak
Danika (She/Her/Hers) is an associate in Dentons’ Vancouver office. She is a member of the Corporate and Intellectual Property and Technology practice groups at Dentons. In her general corporate practice, Danika advises clients in a broad range of corporate and commercial matters, including corporate organization and governance, mergers and acquisitions, and other transactional matters such as drafting commercial agreements. Danika is passionate about assisting innovative start-ups overcome legal hurdles from incorporation, to team-building and raising funds. In her intellectual property practice, Danika advises clients from sophisticated corporate entities to independent artists on intellectual property protection and commercialization options. Danika is frequently engaged with intellectual property agreements, whether in the targeted mergers and acquisition due diligence space or drafting agreements to fit each client’s unique needs. Danika also assists with trademark and copyright registrations and renewals.
About Tech & Toast: A VentureLabs Breakfast Series
We bring the experts, pastries, and coffee to Tech & Toast so that founders can connect and learn from subject matter experts. This monthly in-person event will feature topics like IP, customer discovery, competitor analysis, etc. Join Tech & Toast to connect with other science and tech founders, meet with experts, and gain insights to grow your company.
Register Here!

Generative AI: Copyright and Ownership
2024-12-10 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
Hosted in partnership with Tech Yukon
Do you own the assets created using AI? Are there limitations to usage rights? Are they subject to any Creative Commons Licenses?

AI is changing how to approach content generation. From text for books or poems, to images, and even video. Not only for the creation, but also in editing and live streaming.
Can you copyright, trademark or pursue design patents for AI creations? Who owns the content? What’s the risk of someone else utilizing the same piece of generated content?
We’ll try our best to tackle some of these questions and more in the ever evolving legal landscape of AI.

Speaker
Chang Han, Lead EiR (Entrepreneur in Residence) at entrepreneurship@UBC

Chang Han has cofounded, invested in, and worked for startups in education, biotech, digital media software and hardware, the trades, franchising, manufacturing, import and export and retail distribution. His entrepreneur, investing and consulting experience is balanced with a former corporate career in business litigation as well as In-House corporate counsel managing intellectual property for an international bank. Chang is currently NVBC’s IP Executive in Residence, and supports the roll-out of the NVBC Accelerate IP grant program. He is also the Lead Entrepreneur in Residence at entrepreneurship@UBC, and an investment consultant with Genome BC. Additionally, Chang is a member of faculty for the Part-Time program at BCIT, the British Columbia Institute of Technology.
Register Here

IP Strategy for the Growth and Scalability of your Startup
2024-12-04 11:30 - 12:30 | Virtual
Intangible assets are now the bulk of a valuation for a company (more than tangible assets). And everything intangible is some form of IP. A successful IP strategy is a function of both creating IP value and avoiding IP risk.
In this session, Emilie and Patrick will discuss the ways different IP rights create value, strategy considerations for securing IP rights, linking IP creation with your business’ commercialization plan, how to develop an effective monitoring and enforcement strategy, and how to mitigate IP risk. IP isn’t just patents and protection from competitors. Learn about how to leverage IP for licensing, justifying valuation and partnerships.

About Our Speakers from Seastone IP
Patrick Smith

Patrick is one of Canada’s top IP litigators, serving as counsel in more than 100 reported decisions over the course of his 25+ year career. He has extensive experience supporting clients in the oil and gas, agricultural, biotech, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries. The Supreme Court of Canada adopted his submissions in Teva v. Pfizer (2012) as the framework by which courts now judge “utility” in patent cases.
Patrick is a registered patent agent who advises and represents clients in matters concerning patents, trademarks, copyright, trade secrets, and regulatory compliance. He is a former adjunct professor of law at the University of Ottawa and served as President of the Intellectual Property Institute of Canada (IPIC) for 2018-2019. Currently, Patrick is the chair of IPIC’s Intervention Committee.
Emilie Feil-Fraser

Emilie is a lawyer and trademark agent with a combination practice of litigation and solicitor work. She helps clients solve contentious disputes in the areas of trademarks, patents, trade secrets/confidential information, copyright, industrial designs, privacy disputes, and domain name disputes. She represents a wide variety of clients, from small start-up businesses to multi-national corporations in large-scale patent infringement litigation. She provides strategic advice to clients on all aspects of their intellectual property portfolios, including IP development strategy and best practices for internal IP protection.
Emilie is also a registered Canadian trademark agent and handles all levels of trademark prosecution, from brand development to registration. She is also fluent in French and enjoys hiking, skiing, and live music.
This event is hosted in partnership with Tech Yukon.
Please note the event timing is in PDT.
Register Now!

IP Speaker Series: Culture and Law
2024-11-27 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual
​Join us for an in-depth discussion on the intersection of culture and IP law, and learn how founders can protect themselves in a Canadian IP landscape that is not always aligned with Traditional Knowledge. It’s important for any founder to ask themselves, who can play and what are the rules?
​​Why This Chat?
​What You’ll Gain:
​​● Insider Knowledge: Delve into some key concepts around Traditional Knowledge (TK), Traditional Cultural Expression (TCE) and Cultural Competence.
​​● Real-World Wisdom: Engage with firsthand stories and experiences on how founders can participate in cultural endeavors without committing cultural appropriation.
​​● Practical Takeaways: Discover strategies on how to ensure that your company’s IP is protected, when it may not be clear when Traditional Knowledge and Canadian IP may intersect.
​​● Community and Q&A: This fireside chat format encourages dialogue. Bring your questions, share your experiences, and learn from peers navigating the same challenges.
​​Who Should Join?
​​Whether you’re at the seed stage or scaling rapidly, if your startup is navigating the tech ecosystem, this conversation is for you. Founders, tech innovators, and anyone vested in the future of intellectual property in the startup space.
​​About the Session:
​​This isn’t just another lecture on IP rights; it’s a chance to join a community of like-minded individuals ready to tackle the complexities of IP strategy together. We’re peeling back the layers of legal jargon to reveal the actionable steps you can take to protect your company’s most valuable assets.
​​About the Speakers:
​Mitchel Fleming (Guest) – Part of Toronto’s newest cohort of entertainment lawyers, Mitchel Fleming brings to his practice a wealth of entertainment experience.
​Fleming has extensive experience acting as production legal counsel, including handling rights acquisitions, international co-pro agreements, broadcast and distribution deals, performer agreements, production financing, tax credit optimization and E&O insurance reviews for a growing list of feature films and TV series.
​Fleming not only works on behalf of legacy film and television organizations, but maintains a diverse roster of clients, including social media sensations, comedians, and live sport entertainment companies.
Ever passionate about economic and community development in Canada’s rural communities, particularly First Nations, Fleming has dedicated time and energy to establishing opportunities for First Nations youth to study music in St. John’s, Newfoundland, in the hopes that they might bring that knowledge back to their hometowns.
​Byron Thom (Moderator) – Byron is a lifelong technology enthusiast who has worn many hats in his tech career. Trained as an engineer and a lawyer, he practiced at one of the leading IP boutiques in Canada helping startups and multinationals protect their technological assets. As a startup founder, he is a patented inventor who drafted and prosecuted his company’s own patent applications. And, as a venture capitalist and board member, he often works with his portfolio companies to develop IP strategies to focus their limited resources on key assets that matter to the business, to investors and to potential acquirers. Byron is a Partner at the BDC Industrial Innovation Venture Fund and sits on the Board of Governors at UBC.
Register Now!
