Panel: A Career in Technology and IP Law

The UCalgary Technology Law Association, in collaboration with the IP law club, hosted a panel featuring 4 fantastic lawyers who work in the areas of technology and IP law. Our panelists engaged in a fascinating and thorough discussion of their career paths, the implications of AI for the legal practice and the different ways that law students can pursue a career in tech and/or IP law. The UCalgary Technology law Association would like to thank our sponsor, Osler, for sponsoring this event. We would also like to thank the IP law club and our wonderful panelists for making this event possible.

Panelists

John Sanche is a Partner at Burnett, Duckworth & Palmer and a registered trademark agent. John’s wide-ranging practice includes IP, Technology and start-ups and early-stage growth companies. John’s practice involves working extensively with start-ups and early-stage companies on licensing and technology agreements as well as patent and trademark applications to facilitate the purchase and sale of tech and IP. John has also worked extensively with carbon capture technology. John’s background in computer science and programming sparked his interest in technology law, early on in his career. John obtained his JD from the University of Saskatchewan and was drawn to the emerging tech scene in Calgary.

Chelsea Nimmo is a Senior Associate at Norton Rose Fulbright in the intellectual property group. Chelsea runs a broad litigation practice in which she advises clients across a variety of industries, including pharmaceutical and life science sectors, on IP-related issues. Chelsea’s extensive work in patent litigation has enabled her to work with unique and innovative technologies, including pharmaceutical tech and medical devices. Chelsea obtained her JD from McGill and worked in Toronto prior to practicing in Calgary. Apart from her chemistry background, Chelsea took an interest in the litigation aspect of IP and patent law.

Chris Peng is an associate at Gowling WLG and a registered patent agent. Chris’ practice involves drafting and prosecuting patents in relation to a wide range of technologies, including electrical, software and mechanical engineering. Chris works on patent applications from across the world, each of which involve different types of technology. Prior to becoming a patent agent and adopting an IP-focused practice, Chris practices as a corporate securities lawyer and sat on the Alberta Securities Commission. Chris’ interests in technology and background in engineering steered him towards patent law after having worked in securities law.

Julian Dobre founded his own IP and Technology law practice  after having worked at a technology law firm in Calgary. Julian’s practice involves extensive work with social media influencers on IP-related issues. Julian is a recent graduate from the University of Calgary, Faculty of law, where he developed his interest in tech and IP law. Interestingly, Julian expressed his aspirations of working in tech and IP law in his law school application. As a sole practitioner, Julian enjoys working and growing with his clients in navigating legal issues that arise from social media.

Implications of AI for the legal practice

Each of the panelists stressed the importance of an optimistic but cautious approach to the adoption of AI tools in the legal practice. AI legal tools have actually been used by lawyers and law firms for many years prior to the emergence of Chat-GPT. The panelists noted that certain AI tools may be helpful in assisting the lawyer on tasks, such as legal research and discovery. However, the utility of AI tools varies substantially across practice areas. AI programs designed to process patent applications, for instance, are prone to mistakes and overlook the essential human element to this area of the law. Our panelists also touched on some of the fascinating problems posed by the use of AI, including ownership of AI-generated content, AI hallucination and data privacy. The panelists noted that AI has had a minimal effect on their respective practices but recognized the potential for AI to play a greater role in the future. Each of our panelists stressed the importance of lawyers not relying too heavily on AI tools in their practice and instead using these tools to supplement their knowledge and expertise.

Technology and IP Law Career Pathways

Lastly, our panelists gave the audience some useful and insightful tips on how to pursue a career in Tech and/or IP law. Though most of the panelists had a undergraduate background related to tech and an interest in technology prior to law school, they each began their careers with general practice areas. As a result, they gained exposure to different areas of the law and adopted valuable skills that enabled them to develop into well-rounded lawyers. As they progressed in their careers, they eventually adopted a more tech and IP-focused practice. Our panelists stressed the importance of for law students and junior associates of approaching their legal careers with an open mind and being willing to experience different areas of the law before pursuing a tech and/or IP-focused practice.