Joanna Ma

Joanna Ma, a key figure at Bereskin & Parr LLP, brings a wealth of knowledge and strategic insight to the field of intellectual property (IP). Her role as a patent lawyer and IP strategist is pivotal in guiding clients through the complexities of developing and enhancing their IP portfolios to mirror their business strategies and aspirations. Joanna's expertise extends to aiding clients in the commercialization and monetization of their IP rights, alongside crafting a balanced approach towards IP rights enforcement.

With a solid foundation in electrical engineering, Joanna's specialty lies in the domain of patenting software-centric technologies and their related systems. This includes a wide array of sectors such as artificial intelligence, audio systems, autonomous vehicles, cybersecurity, medical devices and imaging systems, neural networks, telecommunications, and robotics. Her proficiency in drafting and prosecuting patent applications within these fields is complemented by her diligent monitoring of Patent Offices' guidelines and trends, aiming to streamline the patenting process for software-driven innovations.

Joanna's contributions to the discourse on patenting software technologies are notable, including her co-authorship of the Canadian chapter in the globally recognized guide, Intellectual Property in Electronics and Software. Her work underscores her deep understanding of the nuances in patenting within the tech sphere.

An integral aspect of Joanna's practice also revolves around securing design protection for client products, ensuring it aligns with their business objectives. Her commitment to nurturing Canada's technology ecosystem is evident through her advisory roles in various Ontario innovation hubs and her active participation as a speaker on IP strategies. Furthermore, Joanna's insights are shared in the collaborative effort, “Patent and Other IP Protection for Engineering and Technology Startups,” featured in Startup Law 101: A Practical Guide, enriching the resource pool for emerging tech enterprises.

Away from the legal battlegrounds, Joanna immerses herself in the latest tech trends, gardening, and baking, showcasing her diverse interests.

Her academic credentials are impressive, with a J.D. from the University of British Columbia (2011) and a B.A.Sc. in Electrical Engineering (Hons.) from the University of Waterloo (2008). Joanna's professional qualifications include being a registered patent agent in both the United States (2014) and Canada (2013), and her admission to the Ontario Bar in 2012 further solidifies her standing in the legal community. Her memberships with the Law Society of Ontario (LSO), the Intellectual Property Institute of Canada (IPIC), and the College of Patent Agents and Trademark Agents (CPATA) highlight her active involvement and recognition in the legal and IP fields. Joanna Ma's contribution to the IP landscape is characterized by her strategic foresight, technical acumen, and dedicated service to her clients’ IP needs.