Cultivating Innovation: IP Strategy for Researchers and Entrepreneurs

Featuring an educational afternoon that includes a keynote from Honorable Michael Crinson and an expert panel with experience using Intellectual Property strategy in the agri-food space, this event will equip attendees with tools and ideas for how to use IP strategy to contribute to their research program or their company.

Focused on cultivating a culture of innovation backed by strategic decision-making, this event will stimulate critical dialogue on the role of IP in research excellence and impact.

To cap off the afternoon, a networking hour will provide space for attendees and speakers to extend discussions on IP strategy and for the Research Innovation Office Technology Transfer Managers to connect with those seeking additional resources or services.

This event is hosted by the Research Innovation Office and funded by the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance, a collaboration between the Government of Ontario and the University of Guelph.

Speakers

Keynote

Honourable Judge Michael Crinson

Associate Judge Michael Crinson received a B.Sc Honours degree in Biochemistry from Dundee and an M.Sc in Physics from the University of Guelph. He worked in the pharmaceutical industry before moving to Canada to work at Brock University.

Several years later Associate Judge Crinson received an LL.B. from Osgoode Hall and began a career in law in 1999. He was also a registered patent and trademark agent, with a practice focused on contentious intellectual property matters, including patent, copyright, trademark, trade secret, and ownership disputes. He has been trial counsel on numerous contentious IP matters in a wide variety of technical areas, including medical devices, forestry equipment, pharmaceuticals, the food industry, electrical engineering, polymer chemistry and biotechnology, particularly genetically modified plant material. He has received accolades from his clients and peers alike in respected publications, including IAM Patent 1000, IAM Strategy 300, The Legal 500, Best Lawyers in Canada and Martindale-Hubbell, which described him as a “distinguished” practitioner.

Associate Judge Crinson joined the Federal Court in early 2023.

Panel Moderator

Steve De Brabandere: Director Technology Transfer and Industry Liaison, Research Innovation Office, University of Guelph

As the event's moderator, Steve De Brabandere will guide a conversation centered on the significance of crafting and implementing a solid Intellectual Property (IP) strategy. Through incisive questioning tailored to each panelist's area of expertise, he will illuminate the pivotal role that IP strategy can assume in the successful transition of academic research to entrepreneurial ventures.

Panelists

Jennifer Jannuska, Director of Data and Intellectual Property, Protein Industries Canada

Jennifer Januska specializes in formulating IP strategies for emerging companies aiming to compete on a global stage. Drawing from her extensive experience advising clients across various industries, she offers invaluable insights into both offensive and defensive approaches to IP strategy.

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Jennifer Jannuska is the Director of Data & Intellectual Property for Protein Industries Canada. Jennifer is an experienced lawyer and patent agent qualified in Ontario. Before joining PIC, she spent more than 20 years in private practice, advising clients in diverse sectors on strategic approaches to intellectual property. A past recipient of Best Lawyers in Canada (Intellectual Property) and IAM Strategy 300 (World’s Leading IP Strategists), Jennifer has had the privilege of working with domestic and foreign companies in all stages of IP development, commercialization and enforcement.

Dr. Michael Lohuis: Vice-President, Research & Innovation, Semex Alliance

Dr. Lohuis is Vice-President, Research & Innovation at the Semex Alliance (Guelph, Ontario, Canada). Semex is a global dairy and beef breeding company with sales of genetic products and services worldwide. Semex actively utilizes genetic, genomic and reproductive technologies to accelerate genetic progress for production, health and economic traits in cattle. Previously, Dr. Lohuis worked at Monsanto Company (USA) leading programs in animal and plant genomics, statistics, patent science and environmental modeling. Prior to joining Monsanto, Dr. Lohuis was an Assistant Professor in Animal Breeding, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada. He obtained his Ph.D. in animal breeding and B.Sc. in animal science at the University of Guelph.

Sean Thompson: CEO & Co-Founder, Psigryph

Sean Thompson is a seasoned entrepreneur who has skillfully leveraged IP developed at the University of Guelph to build a successful start-up. His fruitful partnership with the late Dr. Gopi Paliyath serves as a prime example of how effective IP strategy can not only drive company growth but also benefit a strong research program.

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Sean is a drug and business development executive experienced in big and small biopharma advising many biotech companies in BizDev and clinical research.

Prior to founding Psigryph, he was VP of Corporate Development for YM BioSciences leading negotiating teams on licensing and M&A transactions. He previously headed Clinical Research leading the company through successful studies globally.

Under his watch, YM acquired companies and completed licenses including a deal with Daiichi Sankyo for US$14.5M upfront. They also completed $120M in financings during his tenure.

He previously held Clinical Development and Marketing positions with GlaxoSmithKline and Roche.

He is currently on:

• the Board of Directors of the Ontario Environment Industry Association

• Member City of Guelph Economic Development Advisory Committee;

• Scientific Reviewer for NSERC’s Idea to Innovation Grant Committee and a

• Mentor with Futurepreneur Canada.

Mr. Thompson holds a B.Sc. from the University of Waterloo.