CLE-TV: Cannabis and Intellectual Property Issues

Series Chair
Ryan J. Black — McMillan LLP, Vancouver

About the Series Chair

Ryan Black is a partner who practises technology-related business law, and is a member of the Technology, Intellectual Property and Privacy group as well as Co-Chair, Information Technology, at McMillan's Vancouver office. Ryan also acts as McMillan's Chief Technology Partner, sitting on its Information Security Governance Committee. As a former software and Internet developer, Ryan has a unique insight to emerging technology matters important to today's businesses, such as cybersecurity, blockchain technologies, open source software, cloud computing, and social media. Ryan is a frequent speaker and presenter on a wide variety of legal matters including Canada's Anti-Spam Law (CASL), technology law and intellectual property issues, and also is the co-author of Internet Law Essentials: Canada's Anti-Spam Law published by Specialty Technical Publishers. Ryan recently authored the 2017 update to that CASL book, focusing on CASL compliance. 

In 2017, Ryan was named as one of Canadas leading lawyers under 40 in Lexpert's annual Rising Stars edition.

Course Presenters
Christie Bates — McMillan LLP, Toronto
Morgan McDonald — McMillan LLP, Vancouver

About the Course Presenters

Christie Bates is an associate in the firm's Intellectual Property and Technology Group. She is developing a broad practice in intellectual property litigation, as well as in trademark, copyright and patent law. She is active in the emerging cannabis industry, focusing on helping clients learn how to maximize the value of their intangible assets and assert control over the market with intellectual property rights. She is also involved in the McMillan Startups initiative. 

Morgan McDonald is a partner in the Business Law Group in the firm's Vancouver office. She assists companies with their general corporate commercial needs, obtaining growth financing through private equity or venture cap financing, contract review, interpretation, drafting and negotiation. Morgan assists companies in a variety of industries with a focus on technology, cannabis and other emerging companies and is a Co-Founder of Startups at McMillan.