Introduction to intellectual property | GRTC303

This workshop provides a practical introduction to the fundamentals of intellectual property (IP), helping participants understand the value of their creative and research outputs and the steps needed to protect them. Participants will learn about the main forms of IP, including copyrights, trademarks, patents, and trade secrets, as well as the benefits and limitations of each.

The session also covers key considerations such as confidentiality, disclosure, and ownership, offering guidance on what to keep in mind when developing new ideas or innovations. Concepts are illustrated through a real-world case study from a registered trademark holder, who will share insights into the registration process, challenges encountered, and lessons learned.

By the end of the workshop, participants will have foundational knowledge to safeguard their work, make informed decisions, and explore pathways for future intellectual property protection.

Béatrice T. Ngatcha is a lawyer and patent agent in Lavery’s intellectual property group. She is registered as a patent agent in both Canada and the United States and is admitted to the Bar of Ontario and the Quebec Bar (c.j.c). Béatrice holds a PhD in Chemistry from Université Laval and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the National Research Council in Ottawa.

Her practice includes patent drafting and prosecution for Canadian and international clients, intellectual property litigation, trade secrets, transactional due diligence, patent portfolio strategy and value creation, licensing, and arbitration. Béatrice frequently presents on intellectual property topics at academic and professional conferences.

Anita Li is the publisher and CEO of The Green Line, a community-driven news outlet in Toronto, and recently served as Journalism Innovator-in-Residence at Toronto Metropolitan University. With over two decades of experience in journalism and media leadership, she has worked at The Toronto Star, The Globe and Mail, CBC, and in senior roles at U.S.-based digital media organizations.

Through trademarking The Green Line’s Action Journey® model and navigating complex collaboration agreements, Anita brings practical insight into how intellectual property principles apply to creative, research, and community-based innovation, particularly in documenting, protecting, and scaling intangible assets.