The IP Innovation Clinic provides Osgoode Hall Law students with access to work-integrated and experiential learning opportunities in IP and technology law. Clinic Fellows enhance their student experiences by taking on greater responsibilities and interactions with clients. Through practical, hands-on experience, students assist start-up and scale up companies navigate real-world legal and business challenges. This experiential education contributes to the career-readiness and success of Clinic Fellows.
IP Innovation Clinic Fellowships are volunteer positions and students’ time is eligible for the Osgoode Public Interest Requirement (OPIR) credit.
The IP Innovation Clinic operates year-round, with Summer and Fall-Winter cohorts.
Meet the IP Innovation Clinic Team
Joseph Turcotte, PhD
Dr. Joseph Turcotte is an award-winning IP and commercialization analyst and specialist with hands-on experience servicing clients with complex IP needs.
He leads and manages the operations of Canada’s largest pro bono IP law clinic. Working with the Director, Joseph defines the strategic direction of the Clinic and its services as well as executes the Clinic’s services, education, marketing, and outreach strategies.
Previously, he held progressively senior roles at a fast-growing IP and boutique law firm in Toronto, leading the IP & Client Solutions team while serving as the firm’s main point of contact surrounding IP needs of existing clients and prospective clients. He assisted the firm’s clients with assessing their complex IP needs and provided recommendations for appropriate IP strategies and services.
He holds a PhD from the Joint Graduate Program in Communication & Culture (Politics & Policy) at 91ÑÇÉ« and Toronto Metropolitan University (then Ryerson University).
P: 437-925-3821
Xavier Thomas, MBA
Xavier Thomas is a strategy and business development professional with an MBA from McMaster University’s DeGroote School of Business. With experience spanning consulting, marketing, and youth innovation, he brings a thoughtful, purpose-driven approach to problem-solving and strategic planning.
Xavier has advised startups, nonprofits, and community organizations on go-to-market strategies, stakeholder engagement, and operational growth. At the IP Innovation Clinic, he brings a strong business lens to support clients in turning ideas into viable, market-ready ventures. Passionate about equity and real-world impact, Xavier is committed to using his skills to empower innovators and drive meaningful outcomes.
Elia Rasky, PhD
Elia Rasky is a researcher and writer specializing in Canadian public policy with a focus on science, technology, and innovation. He holds a PhD in political science from 91ÑÇÉ«, where his research compared federal and provincial innovation initiatives. A former Digital Policy Hub Fellow at the Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI), Elia has published on innovation systems, networks, technology incubators, AI governance, and data privacy. Passionate about strengthening Canada’s innovation ecosystem, he is dedicated to ensuring that emerging technologies and policies translate into meaningful opportunities and improved living standards for all Canadians.
Mina Zahine, MGA
Mina Zahine is a communications specialist with 6+years of experience across the public, private, and non-profit sectors and intergovernmental organizations. She holds a Master of Global Affairs degree, with security and innovation specializations, from the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy at the University of Toronto, where she was a Junior Fellow at Massey College. Prior to joining the IP Innovation Clinic, she was the Communications and Outreach Lead for PeerWorks, Ontario's pan-provincial voice for the peer support sector. Mina also supported the team at Access Now, which organized the 13th iteration of RightsCon, the world's leading summit on human rights in the digital age.
George Kay
JD Candidate 2027
georgekay2024@osgoode.yorku.ca
George Kay is a JD student at Osgoode Hall Law School with a strong academic foundation in chemistry and a growing focus on intellectual property law. He holds both a BScH and an MSc in Chemistry from Queen’s University, where his graduate research on renewable energy technologies led to multiple peer-reviewed publications in sustainable energy and materials science. His legal interests include patent law within the life sciences and biochemistry—particularly in relation to biologic therapies—as well as the intersection of AI and copyright law. George recently completed a summer position at McCarthy Tétrault in IP litigation and contributed to pro bono work with The 519 Clinic, supporting members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. At Osgoode, he serves as a Senior Editor with the Osgoode Hall Law Journal and is the recipient of the Charles Edward Woodrow Award for academic excellence. His graduate studies were supported by the Queen’s Graduate Award, NSERC funding, and the William Patrick Doolan Award for Teaching Excellence.
James (Mackenzie) Dobson
JD Candidate 2027
jamesdobson2024@osgoode.yorku.ca
Mackenzie Dobson has a diverse background spanning consulting, real estate, and wellness management. He completed his Honours Bachelor of Science in Economics at Trent University while working as the Expert in Residence for the Peterborough and Kawarthas Innovation Cluster. In this role, he advised startups and entrepreneurs, including those in Canada’s Start-Up Visa Program on navigating complex business and real estate challenges. Through this experience, Mackenzie recognized the unique legal needs of innovators, which sparked his interest in intellectual property law.
Marwah Asrar
JD Candidate 2028
marwahasrar2024@osgoode.yorku.ca
Marwah Asrar is a JD student at Osgoode Hall Law School with a strong foundation in economics and a passion for innovation and equity in the legal field. She completed her Bachelor of Economics at 91ÑÇÉ«, where she was actively involved in student leadership and advocacy, serving as President of the Afghan Students Association and Vice President of Programming for First Generation Lawyers at Osgoode. Her interest in intellectual property and innovation law was shaped through her work as a Clinic Fellow at the IP Innovation Clinic and as a Legal Intern with Pro Bono Students Canada, supporting the Afghan Women’s Organization. Marwah’s commitment to community and mentorship is reflected in her roles with the Osgoode Women’s Network, 91ÑÇɫ’s LA&Ps Peer Mentorship Program, and Advocates of Tomorrow Inc. Her academic achievements have been recognized through several awards, including the Edward A. Beder Memorial Scholarship and The Annie Kaplansky Award.
Lucas Lim
JD Candidate 2028
Lucas is a JD student at Osgoode Hall Law School with a background in medical device development, most recently as a systems engineering lead at two medical device startups, where he ran product development and testing programs. He holds a BASc in Nanotechnology Engineering and an MASc in Chemical Engineering from the University of Waterloo, where his graduate research involved the development of novel nanomaterials for energy storage. As an undergraduate student he co-founded Vitameter, a diagnostics startup that built a proof-of-concept lateral flow assay for vitamin D and won the Norman Esch Entrepreneurship Award for capstone design. He spent this past summer with the IP group at Borden Ladner Gervais in Ottawa. Outside of school, he enjoys horror fiction and spending time with his dog, Zelda.
Ryan Nodder
JD Candidate 2027
ryannodder2024@osgoode.yorku.ca
Ryan Nodder is a JD student at Osgoode Hall Law School. He holds a BSc in Biomedical Sciences and an MSc in Pharmacy from the University of Waterloo, where his graduate research focused on sustainable materials for 3D-printed drug delivery systems. His legal interests centre on the role of IP in business and commercial transactions, as well as corporate and transactional law more broadly. Ryan has gained diverse legal experience as a Summer Associate at a New 91ÑÇÉ« law firm working on corporate intellectual property matters, a Summer Associate in criminal defence, and most recently as a Legal Intern at Coca-Cola Canada Bottling Limited. At Osgoode, he serves as a Senior Editor and the Director of Academic Development with the Osgoode Hall Law Journal, and a research assistant to Prof. Benjamin Geva’s research on negotiable instruments, in addition to previously serving as a Clinic Fellow with the IP Innovation Clinic. Prior to law school, Ryan worked as a teaching and research assistant in biology and pharmacy at the University of Waterloo and operated an e-commerce collectibles business.
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Abdulrahman Hafez |
Caliyah Simon |
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Casey Zhang |
Dominic Rochon |
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Erica Chan |
Frederick Xu |
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Ian Chung |
Iti Singh |
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Kajal Dhawan |
Jaemin Paul Kim |
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Jawad Chowdhury |
Kathleen Zamora Kovac |
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Kunal Dadlani |
Leena Saleh |
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Lily Wiersma |
Lily Liu |
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Liza Chiber MA, English Literature, University of Toronto & BA, English Literature, 91ÑÇÉ« |
Madeline Watson |
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Max Dressler |
Mohammad Ali |
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Nicholas Boultbee |
Noam Lasry |
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Panagiotis (Peter) Koumoulas |
Patrick Robitaille |
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Roensa Salija HBA, English and Book & Media Studies, University of Toronto |
Rosaline Ward BA, International Studies & MA, International Relations, Carleton University |
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Sanya Khera |
Setareh Aghamohammadi |
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Sharmila (Mila) Gaddy |
Thomas Rady-Pentek |
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Unza Mumtaz |
Urja Kohli |
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William Zhang |
Zheyuan Julian Cao |
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IP Innovation Clinic
Osgoode Hall Law School, 91ÑÇÉ«, 4700 Keele Street Toronto, On, M3J1P3
ipinnovationclinic@osgoode.yorku.ca | 437-925-3821