IP Speaker Series: Open Source Software
Join us for a deep dive on a startup topic many companies know they should pay attention to, but often overlook: how to use Open-Source Software appropriately and compliantly. In a casual conversation, we will explore key concepts and strategies that startups should consider with their technology teams when planning their Open-Source Software usage policies.
Why This Chat?
In the software sphere, open-source software (OSS) is everywhere. With limited budgets, leveraging an engaged community to provide key software infrastructure is faster and more secure than developing these pieces in-house. Startups can then focus on developing core IP that helps move the business forward and solves the specific pain point they are trying to tackle. But, there are many best practices that startups should adhere to when considering which OSS packages to download and implement within their stack. Even in the age of generative AI and advanced code generation, the different flavour of licenses, and the politics of OSS, can still trip up a startup at various stages of their journey.
Hear from a leading IP practitioner on strategies she uses with her clients when building their OSS usage policies. Key considerations will be discussed including understanding key risks and frameworks for how to track and manage usage. Come listen to practical advice every IP-focused startup should know.
What You’ll Gain:
Insider Knowledge: Delve into some key concepts on how best to think about and implement Open-Source Software.
Real-World Wisdom: Engage with firsthand stories and experiences on how leading technology companies and scale-ups think about OSS usage policies.
Practical Takeaways: Discover strategies on how to take small, easily digestible steps now that can save you money and headache in the future.
Community and Q&A: This fireside chat format encourages dialogue. Bring your questions, share your experiences, and learn from peers navigating the same challenges.
Who Should Join?
Whether you're at the seed stage or scaling rapidly, if your startup is navigating the tech ecosystem, this conversation is for you. Founders, tech innovators, and anyone vested in the future of intellectual property in the startup space— gather 'round the fire.
About the Session:
This isn't just another lecture on IP rights; it's a chance to join a community of like-minded individuals ready to tackle the complexities of IP strategy together. We're peeling back the layers of legal jargon to reveal the actionable steps you can take to protect your company’s most valuable assets.
Presenters:
Maya Medeiros – Maya Medeiros is an intellectual property lawyer, patent agent (Canada, US) and trademark agent (Canada, US) and has a degree in mathematics and computer science. She has extensive experience in artificial intelligence, blockchain, cybersecurity, cryptography, payments, graph theory, risk management, gaming, face recognition, communications, healthcare and medical devices, virtual and mixed reality, wearables, and other computer-related technologies. She is a key contributor to www.insidetechlaw.com on the ethical and legal implications of artificial intelligence.
Maya advises many companies on IP strategy and develops tailored IP policies and training programs across a wide range of topics. She is an adjunct professor at York University and teaches a course on the commercialization of intellectual property. She leads a collaboration with IP Osgoode Innovation Clinic to supervise its clinic students and service emerging companies.
Byron Thom (moderator) – Byron is a lifelong technology enthusiast who has worn many hats in his tech career. Trained as an engineer and a lawyer, he practiced at one of the leading IP boutiques in Canada helping startups and multinationals protect their technological assets. As a startup founder, he is a patented inventor who drafted and prosecuted his company’s own patent applications. And, as a venture capitalist and board member, he often works with his portfolio companies to develop IP strategies to focus their limited resources on key assets that matter to the business, to investors, and to potential acquirers.
Byron is a Partner at the BDC Industrial Innovation Venture Fund and sits on the Board of Governors at UBC.
To learn more about how you can integrate IP into your business, be sure to explore our offerings at AccelerateIP.