Osgoode conference looks at the role students have in commercializing intellectual property

IP Osgoode, the Intellectual Property Law & Technology Program at Osgoode Hall Law School, and the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO), will host a day-long conference on “Sparking Innovation with Students” on Friday, March 22, to examine the role that students play in commercializing intellectual property (IP).

D_Agostino-story imageGiuseppina D’Agostino

Osgoode Professor Giuseppina D’Agostino, founder & director of IP Osgoode, will chair the conference, which will kick off with an address by Sylvain Laporte, commissioner of patents, registrar of trademarks and CEO of CIPO. Laporte’s speech titled “From Innovation to Commercialization” will explore global and domestic trends in intellectual property and the role of IP in supporting innovation across the innovation cycle – from basic research and discovery in universities through to commercialization.  Laporte will also present current initiatives to support IP and innovation.

Bill Mantel, assistant deputy minister, Research, Commercialization and Entrepreneurship Division, Ontario Ministry of Research and Innovation and the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Trade and Employment, will deliver the luncheon keynote address.

A number of students will discuss their own experiences in commercializing their research. Their remarks will be followed by panel discussions with academics and practitioners in industry, who will offer important insights on the commercialization process.

The conference is co-sponsored by IP Osgoode and CIPO, and is part of research funded by the Social Sciences & Humanities Research Council of Canada.  Click here for program details including a list of speakers.