UBC Okanagan: Hot Topics in IP
March 3, 2026, 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
Many early-stage startups underestimate how critical intellectual property (IP) strategy is—until it becomes a blocker for growth, investment, or global scaling. Hot Topics in IP is a workshop offered as part of the IP Pathways program, designed to help founders build strong IP foundations early and make informed strategic decisions as their ventures grow.
Offered to the UBC Okanagan community by New Ventures BC in partnership with Innovation UBC, the session equips startup founders, executives, and team members with practical fundamentals in IP strategy, licensing, enforcement, and how IP supports business growth—along with insights into current issues shaping today’s IP landscape.
Participants who complete this workshop will receive a micro-credential, which may be useful in fulfilling future IP education requirements.
Speakers
Facilitated by Susan Tees, Intellectual Property Director, New Ventures BC
Susan is a veteran Class I patent agent with more than 30 years of experience in Canadian and U.S. patent law. She has led approximately 100 patent filings across multiple jurisdictions and industries, including drug manufacturing, mobile applications, DNA technologies, and personal health devices. Susan works closely with clients to build IP strategies that protect innovation and support business growth.
UBC-specific IP guidance and live Q&A will be provided by Derek Gratz, Associate Director, Innovation UBC, Okanagan.
Derek has facilitated the licensing of IP and incubation for over 50 academic start up companies at several Canadian institutions and national commercialization organizations. Attendees are encouraged to bring their questions about UBC processes, disclosures, commercialization pathways, and institutional IP considerations.
Who should attend?
UBC students, researchers, staff, and community members who are interested in understanding IP fundamentals.
Space is limited.
Registration
Founders
Are you a startup founder, executive or team member? Register through IP Pathways to attend this workshop and earn a micro-credential toward IP Certification Level 1. IP Pathways is an education series presented by New Ventures BC and Innovate BC, designed to equip startups and scaleups with the fundamentals of intellectual property, IP strategy, and business growth.
Students and general attendees
Not a founder? Students and other participants are welcome to attend this workshop without registering for the IP Pathways program.
