Round Tables

Protecting Product Innovation: Patents, Industrial Design & ‘Freedom to Operate’ for Ag Manufacturers

Innovation is a key competitive advantage for agricultural manufacturers—but protecting it requires strategic legal planning. This interactive roundtable will provide AMC members with practical guidance on protecting new and improved products, managing IP related risks, and avoiding costly missteps when bringing innovations to market.

Designed for engineering, innovation and product development leaders, the discussion will explore when ideas are best protected through patents versus trade secrets, how industrial designs can create meaningful defensibility, and what “freedom to operate” really means before launching or exporting a product. The session will also include real world examples of common IP pitfalls, competitor patent risks and design around strategies manufacturers can use to safeguard their investments.

Facilitator: Scott Davidson, Partner, MLT Aikins

About the Facilitator:

Scott’s particular focus as a patent agent is on drafting and prosecuting patent applications. His background in mechanical engineering and computer science has allowed him to more quickly connect with his technology-oriented clients. He also provides advice on licensing and other intellectual property transactions, and support for intellectual property litigation.

Scott prepares and prosecutes patent applications in Canada and around the world. He is listed on the Patent Agents list on the website of the Canadian Intellectual Property Office.

He provides clients with advice on patent infringement and possible design around strategies in cases where competitors have patents of concern. He also advises clients on the acquisition and transfer of patents and other intellectual property to enhance their understanding of what rights they are receiving.

Scott leverages his understanding of intellectual property laws and processes to provide clients with valuable insight into patent portfolios. He assists with intellectual property audits to help companies better understand and manage their intellectual property rights. He also conducts reviews, and comments on a company’s intellectual property portfolio to allow potential investors to understand the full scope of the intellectual property rights they are obtaining.

Thank you to IMT Standens for hosting and MLT Aikins for sponsoring and providing facilitation for this event.

Liability Risk Management for Manufacturers: Practical Strategies to Reduce Exposure

Manufacturers face an increasingly complex liability landscape—from product defects and supply chain disruptions to regulatory compliance and evolving customer expectations. This roundtable discussion will explore the key liability risks facing manufacturers today and practical strategies to help mitigate exposure before issues escalate into costly disputes.

Participants will have an opportunity to understand and ask questions about issues such as product liability, contractual risk allocation, quality control, documentation, and incident response. The session will also highlight proactive steps manufacturers can take to strengthen risk management practices, improve internal processes, and better position their organizations to respond when claims arise. Designed for business leaders and decision makers, this roundtable offers practical insights and real world perspectives to help manufacturers manage risk with greater confidence.

Facilitator: Tristan Culham, Partner, MLT Aikins

About the Facilitator:

Tristan’s practice focuses on agricultural and agribusiness disputes, intellectual property claims (particularly in the life sciences area) and insurance related claims and defence work (including claims under the Automobile Accident Insurance Act). He has assisted clients in a range of disputes over life science technology rights, including plant breeders’ rights and patent enforcement proceedings.

Tristan has also appeared before the Saskatchewan Surface Rights Arbitration Board, the Manitoba Surface Rights Board and the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal on matters related to pipelines.

Tristan has a variety of litigation experience that includes conducting trials, chambers applications and appellate hearings. He has acted in complex multi-party disputes on both the subrogated and defence side. Tristan has also successfully appeared on behalf of clients before the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal, Saskatchewan Court of King’s Bench, the Saskatchewan Provincial Court, the Insurance Council of Saskatchewan, as well as various administrative and arbitral boards and tribunals.

Tristan regularly acts for insurers and has a deep understanding of the insurance industry. He has pursued subrogated claims and defended various types of claims, including disability, personal injury, malpractice lawsuits, property damage and fire claims.

Tristan also has a wealth of knowledge and understanding in the agricultural industry, including in the seed industry. He regularly acts for life science and plant breeders’ rights companies in the successful enforcement of intellectual property rights.

Thank you to Ralph McKay Industries Inc. for hosting and MLT Aikins for sponsoring and providing facilitation for this event.