How I can help your business

• Protect your computer, electrical and software‑based innovations – across electronics, fintech, cybersecurity, blockchain and biomedical devices – and turn them into IP assets with real commercial value.
• Prepare, file and prosecute your most complex patent and design applications in Canada, the U.S. and internationally, securing durable protection that is aligned with your business goals.
• Build, manage and safeguard your IP portfolio, with tailored strategies for licensing, open‑source and third‑party code compliance, and trade secret protection.

Overview & Expertise

Paul is a Partner and Head of the Computer and Electrical practice (Canada) in Marks & Clerk’s Toronto office, a lawyer called to the Ontario Bar, and a registered patent agent in both Canada and the United States. With a master’s degree in electrical engineering behind his law degree, Paul understands the technologies he protects – so engagements begin with strategy rather than a technical tutorial. His practice focuses on patents, industrial designs and related licensing matters in the fields where strong protection is hardest to secure: computer software, machine learning and artificial intelligence, electronics, financial technology, cybersecurity, blockchain and biomedical devices.

Paul advises major technology companies, financial institutions and other enterprises on building, managing and safeguarding the IP assets that underpin their business. He is also a trusted Canadian counterpart for foreign associates, who rely on him for experienced, reliable prosecution counsel that keeps Canadian filings aligned with parallel strategy abroad, with clear and prompt reporting and a careful eye on budget. Working closely with inventors and in-house counsel, Paul develops and executes IP strategies that turn complex inventions into durable, commercially meaningful protection.

Paul is known for securing protection where it is most difficult to obtain, and few areas are harder, or more in flux, than the patent-eligibility of software and AI. The law on patentable subject matter in Canada continues to evolve, and a tension persists between the Canadian Intellectual Property Offices’ examination approach and the jurisprudence. Paul stays closely attuned to how examination practice is developing, and has repeatedly guided difficult software and AI applications to allowance where eligibility was the central obstacle. He also advises clients on software licensing, with particular depth in open-source software and third-party code licence compliance.

Paul obtained his Bachelor of Applied Science (Elec. Eng.) and Master of Science (Elec. Eng.) degrees from the Universities of Windsor and Calgary, respectively, before completing the Juris Doctor degree in law at the University of Toronto.

Paul is a former Chair of the Toronto Intellectual Property Group, a fellow of the Intellectual Property Institute of Canada (IPIC), and a member of the American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA), the Canadian Bar Association (CBA) and the Ontario Bar Association (OBA).

He is a contributing author to the ICLG “Designs Laws and Regulations” (2026 and 2025) and “Copyright Laws and Regulations” (2025), both published by Global Legal Group, along with “Startup Law 101: A Practical Guide” (2017) and “A Practical Guide to Web3, Blockchain and Smart Contract Law” (2024), published by LexisNexis Canada. Paul was also a faculty member for the Osgoode Certificate in Blockchain Law program, an educational course developed for lawyers, business leaders, managers, and influencers with an interest in blockchain technology.

Client work & Case Experience

Financial Services – Advising a Canadian-headquartered global financial services company on their patent matters. Managing a patent portfolio of over 250 innovations related to advanced computer technology areas, including machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI). Several of these applications and patents have been nominated for or won the client’s annual top invention award.

Wireless Power – Manages the global patent portfolio for a Canadian wireless power technology company that provides solutions across the telecommunications, automotive, aerospace and defence sectors. Work includes handling and overseeing all originating patent and design drafting, filing and related prosecution worldwide and in more than 16 jurisdictions.

Social Media & Consumer Technology – Manages the Canadian patent and design portfolio for one of the world’s largest technology companies, whose social media and other applications are used worldwide. Work includes preparing, filing and prosecuting both patents and industrial designs in Canada.

E-Commerce Technology – Recently retained by a leading global commerce technology company to prepare and prosecute patent applications protecting its e-commerce software innovations.

Energy Technology – Manages the Canadian patent portfolio for a global energy technology company, which includes preparing, filing and prosecution of over 150 Canadian patents and applications.

Medical Devices & Technology – Managing the Canadian patent portfolio for a prominent medical technology company specializing in medication management, infection prevention, and respiratory products. Work includes preparing, filing and prosecution of over 180 Canadian patents.

AI-Driven Medical Technology – Advising a Canadian-based AI-driven medical technology company on their global IP strategy and portfolio. Managing a patent portfolio of innovations related to advanced medical technology areas, including machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI).