Diving into what intellectual property (IP) is, its value to startups, and how to protect it.
Tom Sides: Tom Sides is a senior corporate commercial counsel at Dentons Canada LLP and chairs its National Technology Transactions law group, as well as co-chairs Dentons’ global Technology, Media, and Telecommunications group. He acts as relationship counsel for clients across IT, AI, telecommunications, energy, financial institutions, and public sectors. Tom’s practice focuses on technology, IP commercialization, privacy, data security, M&A, and corporate commercial law. He brings extensive experience from executive roles in software and telecommunications at a multinational software company and a major Canadian telecom company.
Wes Fairbanks: Wes is the Edmonton Co-leader of Dentons Venture Technology and Emerging Growth Companies Group. As a corporate and commercial lawyer focusing on startups and growing ventures, Wes understands (and feeds off of) founders’ excitement and passion for their companies and directs that energy in ways that minimize legal risks and maximize opportunities for success. Wes provides his clients with practical, solutions-based advice to help them realize their goals at every stage of their business, whether they are founding their company, raising capital, investing in an opportunity, or making their exit. He also just loves talking about startups and venture tech.