Advanced Resources and Contacts

The resources on this page are made available to you through the DDQIC's various legal partnerships. Advanced resources should only be considered after doing sufficient independent research; they are for ventures that have a well-researched, non-routine issue that requires further attention. We advise you to avoid accessing costly legal professionals when a free or low-cost DIY solution would suffice. Please read carefully through the Wiki before deciding to access an advanced legal resource.

Name: Jake Vogl, Devry, Smith, Frank LLP

Details: Depending on the nature of the request, Jake Vogl may be available on an ad hoc basis for advice.

How to get started: Contact Joanna at joanna.tinus@queensu.ca to set up Office Hours.

Name: Aaron Bains, Aird & Berlis LLP

Details: Ventures who are in need of access to a lawyer to have guidance on non-routine issues should reach out for Office Hours.

Aird & Berlis wishes to provide strategic legal support to the students in the QIC program. Accordingly, Aird & Berlis agrees to provide legal services to QIC and QIC participants at the following discounted rates, per retainer:

(i) the first five (5) hours of legal services provided by Aird & Berlis shall be pro bono;

(ii) the next fifteen (15) hours of legal services provided by Aird & Berlis shall be discounted by 25%; and

(iii) any subsequent hours of legal service (above the above noted twenty (20) hours) provided by Aird & Berlis shall be discounted by 10%.

The above noted discounts shall not apply to complex legal matters including financings and joint venture arrangements, as determined by Aird & Berlis. In addition, QIC or QIC participants will be required to cover the complete cost of all disbursements incurred during the provision of legal services.

In addition to the discounted legal services described above, a lawyer from Aird & Berlis will attend at QIC programs in Kingston or elsewhere, when possible, to provide short workshops or lectures on legal issues facing start-ups, such as negotiating financings, and preparing terms sheets.

How to get started: To access this service, email DDQIC with a description of your legal need or issue. Please provide your company name and business number. DDQIC will connect you with Aaron Bains.

Name: Osler, Hoskin, and Harcourt, LLP

Details: Ventures who are in need of access to a lawyer to have guidance on non-routine issues should reach out for Office Hours.

How to get started: To access this service, email DDQIC with a description of your legal need or issue. Please provide your company name and business number. DDQIC will connect you with a representative from Osler.

DDQIC has several contacts in their mentorship network who may be willing to provide mentorship. To connect with any of the individuals listed below, please contact the DDQIC at innovation.centre@queensu.ca.

Name: Andy Shaughnessy

Organization: Torys, LLP

Specialization: IP litigation and dispute resolution

Name: Amrita Singh

Organization: Marks & Clerk, LLP

Specialization: IP litigation including patents, trademarks, copyright, confidential information, and trade secrets.

Name: Dave Ruston

Organization: Marks & Clerk, LLP

Specialization: Engineering IP protection, enforcement, strategic management of 3rd party IP risks

Name: Paul Blizzard

Organization: Bereskin & Parr, LLP

Specialization: Patent drafting and prosecution, licensing, and trade secrets