IP 101: The Business of Great Ideas
The essential first steps of patenting an idea
About
Innovation starts with an idea—but how do you protect it? This presentation introduces students and young engineers to the world of patents, explaining what types of inventions can be patented, who owns the rights to an invention created at work or university, and the step-by-step process of obtaining patent protection. Through practical examples and real-world engineering case studies, attendees will discover how patents drive innovation, create career opportunities, and generate commercial value. Whether you're designing your first prototype or dreaming of launching the next breakthrough technology, this session will equip you with the knowledge to turn great ideas into protected intellectual property. Other forms of IP will also be briefly covered including trade secrets, industrial design and trademarks.
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Continuing Professional Development
This event can contribute towards your Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours as part of the IET's CPD monitoring scheme.
21 Jul 2026
6:30pm - 8:00pm
Organiser
- Ottawa Local Network
Speakers
Andrew Sojonky
Partner and Patent Agent - Borden Ladner Gervais LLP
A materials engineer by education, Andrew Sojonky is a partner and patent agent at BLG working with businesses to protect their intellectual property for competitive advantage. He has particular patent expertise in materials science, energy, clean-tech, mining and metallurgy, and medical devices. Andrew also has an extensive industrial design practice assisting clients with protecting the aesthetic features of their products. Within BLG, Andrew is National Group Manager of our Intellectual Property Group.
Reasons to attend
Attendees will learn:
What is patentable
Does the inventor, your employee or someone else own the patent
How to go about obtaining a patent
Other forms of IP
Programme
Andrew will speak for about an hour and then there will be a Q&A session afterwards.