Office Hours with Chang Han
2025-01-24 11:00 - 15:30, 2025-01-31 11:00 - 15:30, 2025-02-07 11:00 - 15:30, 2025-02-14 11:00 - 15:30, 2025-02-21 11:00 - 15:30, 2025-02-28 11:00 - 15:30, 2025-03-07 08:00 - 17:00, 2025-03-07 11:00 - 15:30 (America/Los_Angeles) and 7 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

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

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

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.

IP Speaker Series: Preparing your IP to License and for M&A
2025-04-24 13:00 - 14:00 | 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

Ongoing: Office Hours with Chang Han
2025-05-01, 2025-06-01 - 2025-07-01 | Virtual

Ongoing: Office Hours with Chang & Susan
2025-05-01 - 2025-05-31, 2025-07-01 - 2025-07-31, 2025-08-01 - 2025-08-31 | Virtual
Interested in AccelerateIP but not sure which stream suits you best?
Book a time with one of our IP Experts during virtual Office Hours!
Choose from:• Chang Han — IP Executive in Residence and former IP lawyer• Susan Tees — NVBC IP Director and veteran Class I patent agent
Whether you have questions about the right program or need guidance on AccelerateIP, our experts are here to help you navigate your options.
​
Please note, this isn’t legal advice but a chance to explore your opportunities within our programs.
Meet with Chang Han
Chang Han is a former litigation attorney and in-house corporate counsel specializing in intellectual property, bringing deep experience in IP protection, commercialization, and strategic risk management. He has co-founded, invested in, and advised startups across biotech, education, digital media, and advanced manufacturing, and continues to provide strategic guidance to founders, small businesses, and crown corporations. Chang also teaches innovation, technology law, and entrepreneurship at BCIT, and serves as the lead EiR at Innovation UBC. He is passionate about helping entrepreneurs navigate complex IP challenges to build resilient, defensible, and scalable ventures.
Times available for booking – Fridays between 11AM to 3:30PM.

Book with Chang
Meet with Susan Tees

Susan Tees is a veteran Class I patent agent with experience in Canadian and US patent law and practice. She has over 30 years of experience, including the preparation and filing of approximately 100 submissions to the US and Canadian patent offices, or through foreign associates. Her varied experience spans industries including drug manufacturing, mobile phone applications, DNA constructs, and personal health appliances. Susan works with her clients to create their IP strategy and advise them on strategies to protect their innovations as they build their business.
Times available for booking – Monday to Thursday between 9AM to 2PM.

Book with Susan

IP Masterclass: Patent Preparation & Filing
2025-06-05 13:30 - 15:30
Streamline the patent process, and learn how to save time and money when working with an IP Professional in filing a patent application.
If you’re a startup looking to protect an invention with a high-quality patent asset, this workshop is for you. In this session, you will:

build a comprehensive Invention Disclosure
craft a Plain-Language Patent Claim that defines your Invention
search the Patent Literature and the Non-Patent Literature for points of comparison to your Invention
evaluate your Invention using an Invention Scorecard
prepare a Patent Drafting Work Package for your IP Service Provider

Completing this Module before engaging your IP Service Provider with a Patent Drafting Mandate will ensure you’re able to play your role effectively and get the most from your investment.
Date and Time:

Thursday, June 5
1:30 PM – 3:30 PM PDT

Register on Luma>>

Check out all of the IP Masterclass course offerings.

​Eligibility:
​This workshop is intended for participants who have, at minimum a basic knowledge of IP. This workshop is open to participants located in British Columbia, Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut.
​About our Speakers:
​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.

IP Masterclass: Partnership and Manufacturing Agreements
2025-06-17 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 PART 2 of the agreements session, where you’ll gain expert insights into partnership agreements and manufacturing agreements.
​Don’t miss this chance to sharpen your skills, learn from real-world case studies, and empower your business collaborations.
​Eligibility:
​This workshop is intended for participants who have, at minimum a basic knowledge of IP. The workshop is open to participants located in British Columbia, Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut.
Register on Luma >>
Check out all of the IP Masterclass course offerings.
​About our presenters:
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.
​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.
Please note this event is designed to help you with your IP strategy, but it is not legal advice.

IP Masterclass: IP Strategy Workshop for Startups
2025-06-26 13:30 - 17:30
Is Intellectual Property mission-critical for your startup? Are your potential investors asking about your IP Strategy? Do you want to be so good that they can’t ignore you? If so, this one-of-a-kind workshop is for you. ​Apply to register to join this half-day workshop, receive support, and build several key pieces of your IP portfolio.
In this workshop, you will:

​Capture your IP Start Point
​Build an IP Strategy that aligns with your Business Strategy
​Outline an IP Action Plan.
​Receive exclusive access to a bespoke set of IP tools

​Eligibility
Open to startups located in British Columbia, Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut. ​
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
Stream 2-1 IP Mentorship
IP Pathways Program
Introduction to Intellectual Property Online Program

Registration is limited to 25 startups to ensure an individualized experience with direct access to our IP Professionals.
Apply to register
Check out all of the IP Masterclass course offerings.
​About 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.
Please note this event is designed to help you with your IP strategy, but it is not legal advice.

IP Speaker Series: Public Disclosures & IP rights
2025-07-23 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual
Register on Luma >>
Join us for a deep dive discussion exploring public disclosures and IP rights. In a casual conversation, we will explore key concepts and strategies that startups should think about when planning for public disclosures. While marketing to the public is important to find customers, investors, and exposure for your company, these public disclosures can have sever implications to your ability to gain IP protection.
​Why This Chat?
​In the startup world, getting your story out is a core aspect of the startup journey. Fundraising, finding customers, and recruiting talent all require founders to share their story to explain how their product or services are differentiated from all their competitors to create a sustainable competitive advantage. Trade shows and conferences, blogs, and social media (and endless coffees) can all help build buzz for your startup; but these “public disclosures” can also create roadblocks to potential patent rights where “absolute novelty” is the requirement in many countries.
​Hear from a leading IP practitioner on strategies he has used with his clients when building proper IP hygiene around public disclosures. Learn about key considerations that are crucial to protecting your rights and ensuring public disclosures don’t impede your company’s ability to gain broad patent protection.
​What You’ll Gain:
​● Insider Knowledge: Delve into some key concepts on how best to think about public disclosures and their impact on IP rights globally.
​● Real-World Wisdom: Engage with firsthand stories and experiences on how leading technology companies and scale-ups leverage simple filing strategies to ensure they retain the right to file broad claims.
​● 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.
​Presenters:
​Miles Steininger (STEIN-in-Ger) – Miles has helped his clients stay independent and return over two billion dollars to investors. He has practiced intellectual property law as a patent agent and IP manager in startups, medium-sized, and multinational public companies, as well as in private practice. Today, Miles is a partner in Perpetual Motion Patents (PMP), of Burnaby, where he focuses on crafting IP plans, preparing and prosecuting patent applications, and delivering IP education.
​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.
​To learn more about how you can integrate IP into your business, be sure to explore our offerings at AccelerateIP.

Tech Yukon x AIP: How to License Your Content for Revenue
2025-08-12 12:00 - 13:00
Are you sitting on valuable content? Whether you’re a creator, entrepreneur, educator, or business owner, licensing your content can be a powerful way to generate ongoing revenue while retaining ownership.
Join Tech Yukon and AccelerateIP for a workshop that covers the process of content licensing: from understanding intellectual property basics to exploring different licensing models and real-world examples of how others have successfully monetized their content.
Tuesday, August 12th | 12:00 – 1:00 pm
Register >>
