IP Speaker Series: Culture and Law

​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.