Karen Durell

Karen Durell steers the Technology division at Miller Thomson as the National Co-Lead, blending her seasoned expertise in intellectual property (IP) law with her rich background in technology. Her career spans significant roles as an IP lawyer, Canadian patent agent, and trademark agent for both the U.S. and Canada, making her a formidable ally for organizations at every stage of growth. From startups to well-established entities, Karen devises IP strategies that cater specifically to the innovation-driven needs of her clients.

In the realm of IP procurement, Karen excels in sculpting and defending patents, with a keen focus on innovations in software, information technology, and mechanical fields. Her proficiency also extends to trademarks, where she aids in their registration, development, and defense, ensuring that brands are both recognized and protected. Moreover, her expertise covers industrial design and copyright, tackling the intricate challenges of acquiring and safeguarding IP.

Karen's involvement in technology transactions is comprehensive. She aids companies in navigating the complexities of tech-related deals and corporate legalities, ranging from IPOs to the maintenance of corporate IP health. Her acumen in IP audits and due diligence underscores her capability to evaluate and strategize for IP portfolios, enhancing their value and impact on future business endeavors.

Her work in fostering technology transfer deals and licenses is pivotal for organizations looking to negotiate and formalize agreements that optimize their IP rights and innovations. Karen's efforts are particularly instrumental in amplifying the reach and utility of research and development from universities and emerging enterprises.

As a thought leader, Karen's voice resonates across various platforms. She has enlightened a diverse audience, from academia to the public sector, on the intricacies of IP, ethics, and asset management. Her contributions to the discourse on IP law are extensive, marked by publications, seminars, and her involvement in education, where she has imparted knowledge at prestigious institutions like McGill University and Université de Sherbrooke.

Karen's academic achievements are profound, with a doctoral degree from McGill University's Faculty of Law, where she explored the synergy between contract law and IP assets. Before embarking on her legal journey, Karen's career in information technology, where she developed databases and software across various industries, laid the groundwork for her unique blend of tech-savvy legal expertise.

Her commitment to the community and professional sphere is evident through her engagement with IP societies, board roles within the IP sector, ethics reviews, and pro bono work. Karen's professional journey is distinguished not only by her bar admissions in Ontario and Alberta but also by her advanced degrees from McGill University and her undergraduate honors from Queen's University.

Karen Durell's multifaceted expertise in IP and technology law, combined with her dynamic approach to legal strategy and community involvement, marks her as a standout figure in the legal domain, dedicated to propelling innovation through legal excellence.