Background
Steve is a partner in our Calgary office and is Co-Chair of the Calgary Intellectual Property Department and head of various related Practice Groups. Steve graduated with a B.A. from UBC in 1978 and from the University of Alberta in 1981 with an LL.B.
After articling with Howard, Mackie (one of the founding firms of Borden Ladner Gervais), Steve was admitted to the Alberta Bar in 1982.
Areas of Practice
- Steve has a solid background in general corporate/commercial law, with an emphasis on development and commercialization of intellectual property, including patented and non-patented technology, trade marks, trade secrets, copyrighted material, including computer programs and franchising and other rights.
Professional Experience
- Steve is Co-Chair of the Calgary office’s Intellectual Property Department.
- He has a solid background in general corporate/commercial law and has acted in negotiating, structuring and documenting numerous financings, both debt and equity.
- He handles the following matters:
- Commercial and Intellectual property work encompassing products and services from basic to advanced technology, and all types of industries and service providers, including computer hardware and software companies, manufacturers of consumer and industrial goods, oil and gas producers, service and petro-chemical companies, electronic commerce companies, information technology service providers and a variety of franchise operations.
- Significant Intellectual Property work, including internet issues, electronic commerce issues, outsourcing agreements and related issues, intellectual property audits and international protection for patent, trademark and copyright.
- From 1983 to 1988 much of his practice was devoted to numerous aspects of trade mark, copyright and licensing matters, primarily on behalf of the Organizing Committee for the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics.
- Since 1986 his practice expanded into areas relating to technology transfer, including computer law, patent rights and trade secrets and all types of financing and commercialization pertaining thereto, including negotiating and drafting of agreements relating to research, confidentiality, joint ventures, manufacturing, development, distribution and licensing.
- A working knowledge of patent law and has assisted numerous clients in obtaining patent protection and in dealing with patent infringement matters.
- Has incorporated and acted for various charities and charitable foundations.
Professional and Community Activities
- Volunteer and Board Director for various not-for-profit organizations including: Student Legal Services, Legal Guidance, Between Friends, The Calgary Foundation, Foothills Hospital Foundation, Volunteer Calgary and Foothills Hospital Development Council.
- Trustee, Board Director and member of various Board committees for The Meadows Foundation Inc. of Texas.
- Registered Trade Mark Agent.
- Associate member, Patent and Trade Mark Institute of Canada.
- Various committees and management positions with Borden Ladner Gervais LLP at both local and national levels.
