​Empowering Entrepreneurs: Effective Strategies for IP Commercialization and Success

​Intellectual Property (IP) issues are becoming exceedingly important for entrepreneurs to consider and account for. From protecting one’s own work to navigating issues surrounding infringement, IP has strategic implications for ventures of all sizes and stages of development. This workshop will cover key points that entrepreneurs should take into account. Namely: (1) Building Business Around IP (2) Cost of IP, and Choosing the Right Type of Protection (3) Prior Art Searching  (4) Understand/Enhance Market Position (5) Attracting Investment Form (6) Strategic Partnerships. The workshop will feature representatives from the IP Innovation Clinic (Osgoode Hall Law School, York University) and York University Office of the VPRI. 

​Agenda:

• ​Opening Remarks

• ​Introductions & Why IP? –Joseph Turcotte (Associate Director, IP Innovation Clinic)

• ​Workshop Presentation – Jacqueline Gabriel and Irisa Shi (IP Innovation Clinic Fellows)

• ​Questions & Answers

​ABOUT THE SPEAKERS

​Dr. Joseph Turcotte is an award-winning IP and commercialization analyst and specialist with hands-on experience servicing clients with complex IP needs. He leads and manages the operations of Canada’s largest pro bono IP law clinic. Working with the Director, Joseph defines the strategic direction of the Clinic and its services as well as executes the Clinic’s services, education, marketing, and outreach strategies. Previously, he held progressively senior roles at a fast-growing IP and boutique law firm in Toronto, leading the IP & Client Solutions team while serving as the firm’s main point of contact surrounding IP needs of existing clients and prospective clients. He assisted the firm’s clients with assessing their complex IP needs and provided recommendations for appropriate IP strategies and services. He holds a PhD from the Joint Graduate Program in Communication & Culture (Politics & Policy) at York University and Toronto Metropolitan University (then Ryerson University).

​Jacqueline Gabriel is a second-year JD Candidate at Osgoode Hall Law School. She earned a Bachelor of Social Sciences in Political Science from the University of Ottawa and spent a summer semester at Sciences Po studying economics and global markets. Her academic experience sparked a strong interest in the intersection of global economics and intellectual property law, particularly in how it fosters innovation and shapes market trends. Jacqueline is eager to explore the ways intellectual property law can drive technological advancement and protect creative industries.

​Irisa Shi is a second-year law student at Osgoode Hall Law School. Prior to law school, Irisa earned her Master of Science in Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology from the University of Toronto, where she led research projects focused on skeletal muscle development and metabolic regulation. With this background, Irisa is eager to explore the field of intellectual property law, particularly in patent prosecution and litigation.

​About YSpace
​​YSpace is York University’s pan-university entrepreneurship and innovation hub supporting startups and entrepreneurs from a variety of sectors and communities. Our programming spans across scaling innovative technologies through customer and investor capital to scaling agri-food businesses into mass retail to diversity-focused initiatives like **ELLA powered by Desjardins** for women-led businesses and Black Entrepreneurship Alliance (BEA) for Black-led businesses. Additionally with our Start-Up Visa program, we are building a robust ecosystem, driving positive change and empowering entrepreneurs to shape the future. We are also home to two physical hubs in the City of Markham and the Town of Georgina.
https://www.yorku.ca/yspace/