The IP Innovation Clinic provides Osgoode Hall Law students with access to work-integrated and experiential learning opportunities in IP and technology law. Clinic Fellows enhance their student experiences by taking on greater responsibilities and interactions with clients. Through practical, hands-on experience, students assist start-up and scale up companies navigate real-world legal and business challenges. This experiential education contributes to the career-readiness and success of Clinic Fellows.
IP Innovation Clinic Fellowships are volunteer positions and students’ time is eligible for the Osgoode Public Interest Requirement (OPIR) credit.
The IP Innovation Clinic operates year-round, with Summer and Fall-Winter cohorts.
Meet the IP Innovation Clinic Team
Giuseppina (Pina) D'Agostino, DPhil
Professor Giuseppina (Pina) D’Agostino is a law professor, lawyer, public speaker, board director and recognized international scholar at Osgoode Hall Law School, York University specializing in intellectual property (IP), technology and innovation law and policy.
She is the Founder and Director the IP Innovation Clinic, the first legal clinic of its kind helping inventors and start-ups across Canada and, the IP Intensive Program. Through the IP Innovation Clinic she founded the AI-powered IP Innovation ChatBot allowing underrepresented groups and the general public greater access to IP information.
Professor D’Agostino brings her creativity and passion to trailblaze new initiatives and was the Founding Director of the globally-recognized IP Osgoode, the award-winning, and IPilogue.
Professor D’Agostino is Professor of Law and York Research Chair in Intellectual Property, Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies at Osgoode Hall Law School. She is the Associate Vice President Research at York University, is the Scientific Director of Connected Minds: Neural and Machine Systems for a Healthy, Just Society a $318 CFREF program at York University, in collaboration with Queen's University. Previously, she was Co-Director of the Centre for Artificial Intelligence & Society (CAIS) .
She is also the Chair of the Board of the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI), a Board Director at Alectra Utilities Corp., and the Founding Chair of the GRE&T Centre Advisory Committee (Green Energy & Technology Solutions Centre, serving as the company’s innovation hub). She was appointed to the City of Vaughan Smart City Task Force and is a Senior Fellow at the Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI).
Joseph Turcotte, PhD
Dr. Joseph Turcotte is an award-winning IP and commercialization analyst and specialist with hands-on experience servicing clients with complex IP needs.
He leads and manages the operations of Canada’s largest pro bono IP law clinic. Working with the Director, Joseph defines the strategic direction of the Clinic and its services as well as executes the Clinic’s services, education, marketing, and outreach strategies.
Previously, he held progressively senior roles at a fast-growing IP and boutique law firm in Toronto, leading the IP & Client Solutions team while serving as the firm’s main point of contact surrounding IP needs of existing clients and prospective clients. He assisted the firm’s clients with assessing their complex IP needs and provided recommendations for appropriate IP strategies and services.
He holds a PhD from the Joint Graduate Program in Communication & Culture (Politics & Policy) at York University and Toronto Metropolitan University (then Ryerson University).
P: 437-925-3821
Francesca Piacente
Francesca is a seasoned project and program manager, having led a diverse portfolio of clients, projects, and initiatives over the course of her career. Francesca has run operational initiatives such as data migrations, resource management evaluations and process implementation at the business or divisional level. She has worked with a wide range of clients to implement software solutions to workforces ranging from 500-2,000 employees. On top of business improvement and client implementation projects, Francesca planned and executed events from corporate kick-offs, incentive trips to international destinations and conferences.
Francesca has joined the IP Innovation Clinic to lead operational growth and scalability strategies, data evaluation, event production and brand awareness.
Xavier Thomas, MBA
Xavier Thomas is a strategy and business development professional with an MBA from McMaster University’s DeGroote School of Business. With experience spanning consulting, marketing, and youth innovation, he brings a thoughtful, purpose-driven approach to problem-solving and strategic planning.
Xavier has advised startups, nonprofits, and community organizations on go-to-market strategies, stakeholder engagement, and operational growth. At the IP Innovation Clinic, he brings a strong business lens to support clients in turning ideas into viable, market-ready ventures. Passionate about equity and real-world impact, Xavier is committed to using his skills to empower innovators and drive meaningful outcomes.
Elia Rasky, PhD
Elia Rasky is a researcher and writer specializing in Canadian public policy with a focus on science, technology, and innovation. He holds a PhD in political science from York University, where his research compared federal and provincial innovation initiatives. A former Digital Policy Hub Fellow at the Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI), Elia has published on innovation systems, networks, technology incubators, AI governance, and data privacy. Passionate about strengthening Canada’s innovation ecosystem, he is dedicated to ensuring that emerging technologies and policies translate into meaningful opportunities and improved living standards for all Canadians.
Mina Zahine, MGA
Mina Zahine is a communications specialist with 6+years of experience across the public, private, and non-profit sectors and intergovernmental organizations. She holds a Master of Global Affairs degree, with security and innovation specializations, from the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy at the University of Toronto, where she was a Junior Fellow at Massey College. Prior to joining the IP Innovation Clinic, she was the Communications and Outreach Lead for PeerWorks, Ontario's pan-provincial voice for the peer support sector. Mina also supported the team at Access Now, which organized the 13th iteration of RightsCon, the world's leading summit on human rights in the digital age.
Farnaz Khaddad
JD Candidate 2027
farnazkhaddad2024@osgoode.yorku.ca
Farnaz Khaddad is a JD student at Osgoode Hall Law School. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from York University and brings a diverse background to her legal studies. She developed an interest in innovation and creative problem-solving during her work as a Consumer Insights Analyst, where she explored the intersections of technology and artificial intelligence. This experience helped her cultivate an analytical mindset while collaborating with companies on new products and innovations. Outside of law school, she enjoys hiking and discovering new books to read. She also serves as an Ambassador for Start2Finish, where she supports literacy initiatives and mentors youth. At Osgoode, Farnaz was a Caseworker in the Administrative Law Division of the Community Legal Aid Services Program (CLASP) and is the recipient of the McMillan LLP Award for academic excellence.
George Kay
JD Candidate 2027
georgekay2024@osgoode.yorku.ca
George Kay is a JD student at Osgoode Hall Law School with a strong academic foundation in chemistry and a growing focus on intellectual property law. He holds both a BScH and an MSc in Chemistry from Queen’s University, where his graduate research on renewable energy technologies led to multiple peer-reviewed publications in sustainable energy and materials science. His legal interests include patent law within the life sciences and biochemistry—particularly in relation to biologic therapies—as well as the intersection of AI and copyright law. George recently completed a summer position at McCarthy Tétrault in IP litigation and contributed to pro bono work with The 519 Clinic, supporting members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. At Osgoode, he serves as a Senior Editor with the Osgoode Hall Law Journal and is the recipient of the Charles Edward Woodrow Award for academic excellence. His graduate studies were supported by the Queen’s Graduate Award, NSERC funding, and the William Patrick Doolan Award for Teaching Excellence.
Ida Hadjfooroush
JD Candidate 2026
idahadjfooroush@osgoode.yorku.ca
Prior to law school, Ida graduated from the University of Toronto with an Honours Bachelor of Science, double majoring in Fundamental Genetics and French Language and Literature. While Ida’s undergraduate studies initially led to her becoming interested in patent law, she is excited to explore other facets of IP law at the IP Innovation Clinic. Outside of school, she enjoys keeping up with the Leafs and Raptors, reading, and playing tennis.
James (Mackenzie) Dobson
JD Candidate 2027
jamesdobson2024@osgoode.yorku.ca
Mackenzie Dobson has a diverse background spanning consulting, real estate, and wellness management. He completed his Honours Bachelor of Science in Economics at Trent University while working as the Expert in Residence for the Peterborough and Kawarthas Innovation Cluster. In this role, he advised startups and entrepreneurs, including those in Canada’s Start-Up Visa Program on navigating complex business and real estate challenges. Through this experience, Mackenzie recognized the unique legal needs of innovators, which sparked his interest in intellectual property law.
Marwah Asrar
JD Candidate 2028
marwahasrar2024@osgoode.yorku.ca
Marwah Asrar a JD student at Osgoode Hall Law School with a strong foundation in economics and a passion for innovation and equity in the legal field. She completed her Bachelor of Economics at York University, where she was actively involved in student leadership and advocacy, serving as President of the Afghan Students Association and Vice President of Programming for First Generation Lawyers at Osgoode. Her interest in intellectual property and innovation law was shaped through her work as a Clinic Fellow at the IP Innovation Clinic and as a Legal Intern with Pro Bono Students Canada, supporting the Afghan Women’s Organization. Marwah’s commitment to community and mentorship is reflected in her roles with the Osgoode Women’s Network, York’s LA&Ps Peer Mentorship Program, and Advocates of Tomorrow Inc. Her academic achievements have been recognized through several awards, including the Edward A. Beder Memorial Scholarship and The Annie Kaplansky Award.
Virginia (Ginny) Galpin
JD Candidate 2027
virginiagalpin2024@osgoode.yorku.ca
Ginny is a JD student at Osgoode Hall Law School with a background in physical chemistry and a growing specialization in intellectual property law. She holds a BSc. Honours in Chemistry from the University of Waterloo and an MSc in Chemistry from the University of Guelph, where her research focused on advanced materials and earned her the GWC² Seminar Prize and the Dr. William Cairns Scholarship. Her legal interests include intellectual property law in developing countries and the intersection of science and law, particularly in physical chemistry. Ginny brings extensive industry and research experience to her legal studies, having worked as a Summer Student at Osler in Ottawa, a research assistant at the University of Waterloo, and in various chemistry roles at Bio Agri Mix, Axalta, and Kinectrics. At Osgoode, she is the recipient of the McMillan LLP Award and the Ronald J. Rolls '58 Q.C. Prize for academic excellence.
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Alexa Mahabir |
Alexander (Alex) JD Candidate 2026 |
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Amna Sarfaraz |
Anderson Ma |
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Anthony Barone |
Caliyah Simon |
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Dana O'Flynn |
Dillon Lee |
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Frederick Xu |
Gabriele Hartshorne-Mehl |
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Gabrielle Gonsalves |
Hannah Wilcox |
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Isabel Zhu |
Iti Singh |
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Jordan Tossios |
Kajal Dhawan |
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Kyrstin Lavelle |
Leena Saleh |
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Leighes Persaud |
Lily Liu |
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Lucas Lim |
Lucas Mrozewski |
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Manvinder Lalh |
Marcus Sorrentino |
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Mohammad Ali |
Muskaan Mehta |
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Nimer Boparai |
Qiyi (Kaye) Jiang |
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Ravi Mahadeo |
Ryan Ferris |
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Ryan Nodder |
Sahar Hussain |
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Sally Lim |
Sanya Salman |
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Sean Thomson |
Sharmila (Mila) Gaddy, PhD, Registered US Patent Agent* *For clarity, no patent agency or legal services or advice are provided as part of the IP Innovation Clinic |
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Shivani Kaup |
Shraddha Dhungel |
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Shuang (Tina) Hu |
Stephen Cheung |
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Syed Raza |
William Zhang BComm Business and Computer Science, |
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Yandi Hu |
Yasmine Saleh |
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Zhenling (Stephanie) Wang |
Zhilwan Mohamad Ahmad |
IP Innovation Clinic
Osgoode Hall Law School, York University, 4700 Keele Street Toronto, On, M3J1P3
ipinnovationclinic@osgoode.yorku.ca | 437-925-3821