Left to right: Nicholas Ly (3L) and Jordan Wagner (3L). Photo by Paul Chorney (2L).
Where IP and Business Law connect
L. Kerry Vickar Business Law Clinic students share knowledge with colleagues
On November 27, 2024, two third-year law students, Nicholas Ly (3L) and Jordan Wagner (3L) [BComm(Hons)/2022] , from the Faculty of Law’s L. Kerry Vickar Business Law Clinic, delivered an insightful presentation at the Faculty of Law to fellow students. This event, entitled “Where IP and Business Law Connect”, was hosted by the Manitoba Law Student Association’s, Intellectual Property and Technology Law Group and the Business Law Group. The presentation highlighted the critical intersections between intellectual property (IP) and business law.
Throughout the presentation, Ly and Wagner shared their expertise, drawing from their hands-on experience assisting clients through the L. Kerry Vickar Business Law Clinic. They walked the audience through the type of work the clinic is involved with and how a file progresses throughout the semester. Beyond their academic responsibilities, Ly and Wagner shared their experience participating in a variety of events such as the CAN-TECH Law Conference in Toronto, the Manitoba Arts Network Showcase in Brandon, the Visionary Indigenous Business Excellence (VIBE) Awards at the RBC Convention Centre in Winnipeg, and presenting public education webinars in partnership with the Stu Clark Centre for Entrepreneurship, to name a few.
Strong Synergy Between IP and Business Law
IP and business law form a foundation for transforming creative ideas into tangible, protected assets. During their presentation, Ly and Wagner covered key IP concepts, including copyrights, trademarks, patents, trade secrets, and industrial designs. These elements were illustrated through practical examples, highlighting how understanding IP principles will become increasingly relevant to lawyers and business people alike as technology continues to become a larger part of our everyday lives.
The importance of IP law for businesses was emphasized by addressing the potential consequences of neglecting it. IP law is something that should always be considered by businesses as it has the ability to become one of their most valuable assets.
“Students from the L. Kerry Vickar Business Law Clinic have become very knowledgeable about the ways IP connects with business law,” noted Katie McKenzie (2L) [BA 2023], Communications and Marketing Director of the Business Law Group. “I never realized how business law and IP law work hand in hand to turn creative ideas into valuable assets.”
Katie McKenzie, Communications and Marketing Director of the Business Law Group
Impactful Learning for Students
The seminar was particularly meaningful for first-year law students exploring the practical applications of IP law.
“Learning how Business and IP Law overlap in practice was inspiring to me as a 1L. The presentation complemented and went beyond what most first-year students have been exposed to,” said Daniela Auriti (1L) [BComm(Hons)/2023], one of the first-year representatives for the Business Law Group.
“I’m excited that as students, we’ll have the opportunity to support clients through the L. Kerry Vickar Business Law Clinic, making it a meaningful component of our JD program,” Auriti added.
Daniela Auriti, First-year representative of the Business Law Group
Another first-year representative, Cole Hutchison (1L) [BComm(Hons)/2023], shared how the event resonated with his interests. “As a 1L student, I enjoyed attending the collaborative event from the Business Law Group and the Intellectual Property and Technology Law Group to learn about areas of law new to me and how they relate to topics I’m interested in.”
“Hearing from students of the law clinic showed the value of experiential learning opportunities available during my studies at Robson Hall,” Hutchison continued.
Cole Hutchison, First-year representative of the Business Law Group
Bridging Legal Education and Entrepreneurial Impact
Ly and Wagner’s presentation echoed the L. Kerry Vickar Business Law Clinic’s mission of delivering free legal support to those unable to afford legal services while equipping law students with invaluable hands-on experience. They underscored the pivotal role of IP in safeguarding innovations and driving business success.
The event was a collaboration between the Faculty of Law’s students and the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem at the University, held as part of the University of Manitoba’s Entrepreneurship and Innovative Thinking Month. This partnership emphasized the importance of legal considerations for entrepreneurs, startups, and innovators, ensuring that law students are well-prepared to navigate the intricate world of business law while making a significant impact on the entrepreneurial community.