Protecting Your Ideas

Who Should Attend

This session will be helpful to startups of all sizes, stages, and industries.

Speaker: Patrick Fitzgerald, Partner, Cox & Palmer

Patrick Fitzgerald is a Partner at Cox & Palmer’s Halifax office. With a distinguished career spanning over 25 years, Patrick offers extensive expertise in transactional law, corporate and technology deals. He earned his B.Comm. from Saint Mary’s University, an M.B.A. from the University of Windsor, an LL.B. from Dalhousie Law School, and the ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors.

Patrick’s practice focuses on complex financings, mergers and acquisitions, equity offerings, and private equity transactions. He has deep experience in legal issues facing startups, including fundraising and intellectual property.

Beyond his legal practice, Patrick is an advocate for Nova Scotia’s start-up ecosystem, providing pro-bono support to entrepreneurs and participating in pitch competitions. He balances his professional life with family, renovation projects, endurance athletics, and ongoing education.

Speaker: Shelley Hessian, Regional IP Counsellor, Springboard

Shelley is a Regional IP Counsellor with Springboard Atlantic. In this role, she delivers an intellectual property (IP) program for startups. Springboard is a network of the 19 post- secondary institutions in Atlantic Canada working to commercialize academic and industry-led research.

Prior to Springboard Atlantic, Shelley was at Invest Nova Scotia (formerly Innovacorp) for 15 years. Shelley has a Bachelor of Commerce and a MBA from Saint Mary’s University and was also a certified project management professional.

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain expert knowledge and network with industry professionals!

Note: Lunch will be provided