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 are able to 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 and the recruitment of fellows occurs twice a year for the Fall-Winter terms and for the Summer session. Call for Applications are released on-campus and on-line in August and March/April, respectively.
For more information, please contact the IP Innovation Clinic at IPInnovationClinic@osgoode.yorku.ca.
IP Innovation Clinic Team
Giuseppina (Pina) D'Agostino
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 the Vice Director (York) of Connected Minds: Neural and Machine Systems for a Healthy, Just Society, and Co-Director of the Centre for Artificial Intelligence & Society (CAIS) at York University, is 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
Ashley Lam
JD Candidate 2024
ashleylam2022@osgoode.yorku.ca
Ashley is a second-year JD Candidate at Osgoode Hall Law School. Prior to law school, she completed a Bachelor of Applied Science in Civil Engineering at the University of Waterloo. During that time, she worked for two years in industry in roles including construction, government and engineering consulting. This past summer, she worked at an intellectual property law firm doing patent and trademark prosecution. She is currently taking part in the USPTO National Patent Application Drafting Competition. Ashley looks forward to applying the skills she has acquired in her experiences to assist clients of the IP Innovation Clinic.
Alison McClean
JD Candidate 2026
alisonmcclean2023@osgoode.yorku.ca
Alison is a first-year JD Candidate at Osgoode Hall Law School, interested in pharmaceutical intellectual property. She recently completed her MSc at the University of British Columbia in Population and Public Health, with a concentration in Health Economics. Alison also holds a BSc (Honours) in Cellular, Molecular, and Microbiology with a minor in Philosophy as well as a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree. Most recently, Alison’s research focused on quantitative assessment of policy interventions to increase the use of biosimilar medicines in Canada and the US. Before coming to Osgoode, Alison spent a year as a Research Fellow at Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute. Alison has published in a number of peer-reviewed journals, including CMAJ, JCO Oncology Practice, and Arthritis Care & Research. Outside of work, Alison enjoys skiing, squash and hiking in the backcountry.
Victoria Mirabelli
JD Candidate 2025
victoriamirabelli2022@osgoode.yorku.ca
Victoria is a second-year JD Candidate at Osgoode Hall Law School. Prior to law school, Victoria completed a Specialized Honours Bachelor of Arts Degree in English from York University. Victoria's love for English literature and entrepreneurial drive led her to start a tutoring business, where she and her team of tutors assist post-secondary students in advancing their academic success. During law school, Victoria leveraged passion for art and entrepreneurship by helping protect innovators’ intellectual property as a Clinic Fellow for the IP Innovation Clinic. Currently, as a Clinic Coordinator, Victoria supports the Clinic’s clients by overseeing Clinic operations and assisting Clinic Fellows with their file completion. In her free time, Victoria enjoys reading, painting, and cooking.
Aaron Ricard
JD Candidate 2025
aaronricard2022@osgoode.yorku.ca
Aaron is a second-year JD Candidate at Osgoode Hall Law School. Before Osgoode, he earned a Master of Arts in Philosophy from Wilfrid Laurier University, focusing on ethical philosophy. His legal interests include intellectual property law and its connection to e-sports law. Outside of school and work, Aaron enjoys playing chess and studying philosophy.
Allessia Chiappetta
JD Candidate 2026
Allessia is a first-year JD Candidate at Osgoode Hall Law School and holds a Master's in Socio-Legal Studies from York University. Her research on AI in the European Union, focusing on technology and policy, kindled her strong interest in intellectual property law. After starting her own business and developing a keen interest in the issues startups face, she is excited to assist clients in overcoming these challenges at the IP Innovation Clinic. Allessia is trilingual, speaking English, French, and Italian.
Brandon Connor
JD Candidate 2026
Brandon is a first-year JD Candidate at Osgoode Hall Law School. Prior to attending Osgoode, Brandon completed his Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and Immunology at the University of British Columbia. His prior experience includes tuberculosis pathogenesis, inflammasome, and bioinformatics research. Brandon is excited to explore the intersection between patents, artificial intelligence, and scientific technology.
Masha Gardaneh
JD Candidate 2026
Masha is a first-year JD Candidate at Osgoode Hall Law School. Prior to law school. Prior to law school, Masha completed a Bachelor of Science, specializing in Biomedical Sciences, at York University. Masha’s interest in IP stems from her involvement in research projects, such as diagnosing breast cancer using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to efficiently differentiate malignant cells from benign cells. Masha is passionate about the protection of scientific-based innovations to foster scientific progress. In her spare time, Masha enjoys writing poetry, swimming, and travelling.
Caelyn Hill
JD Candidate 2024
Caelyn is a third-year JD Candidate at Osgoode Hall Law School. Prior to law school, Caelyn obtained a Bachelors of Music, Honours Specialization in Voice Performance, and a Masters of Music Education, from Western University. Throughout her time at Western University, Caelyn was an active member of the theatre community and performed in, stage managed, and directed both musicals and operas. In addition to her work in performance, Caelyn has a passion for music education and has enjoyed her time as a student tutor, private lessons coach, and adjudicator. In her Masters Capstone, Caelyn focused on holistic and accessible arts education practices. As a law student, Caelyn enjoys growing her interest in business law, intellectual property law, legal education, and access to justice. Beyond school and work, Caelyn enjoys weightlifting, graphic design, travelling, attending live musical performances, and spending time on stage herself.
Samantha Khaouli
JD Candidate 2024
Samantha is a third-year JD Candidate at Osgoode Hall Law School. Prior to law school, she graduated from Western University with an Honours Specialization in Political Science. Samantha’s interest in intellectual property started young, as her sister is a musician. In law school, her interest was solidified by courses such as copyright law. Samantha is looking forward to utilizing her interest and education to help increase access to justice in the intellectual property space.
Marvinder Lalh
JD Candidate 2026
Manvinder is a first-year JD Candidate at Osgoode Hall Law school. He recently completed a BASc in Materials Engineering at the University of Alberta and a MASc in Materials Engineering at the University of Toronto. Manvinder has worked in a wide range of practice areas, including industry and research work with collaborators from mining and aerospace companies. Manvinder's background and love of technology and innovation has led to his interest in intellectual property. In his free time, Manvinder is an avid sports fan and enjoys working out and travelling.
Angela Liang
JD Candidate 2026
Angela is a first-year JD Candidate at Osgoode Hall Law School. Prior to studying at Osgoode, Angela graduated from the University of British Columbia’s Sauder School of Business with a major in Marketing, a concentration in Business Law, and a minor in Law and Society. As an undergraduate student, Angela participated in classes and clubs that led her to develop her entrepreneurial passion. These activities allowed her to foster an entrepreneurial mindset and work with entrepreneurs looking to optimize their companies. Angela is excited to bring her experience and passion forward when working with IP Innovation Clinic clients. Outside of school, Angela enjoys searching for new recipes to cook, finding a good book to read, and chasing sunsets.
Kim Liu
JD Candidate 2024
Kim is a third-year JD Candidate at Osgoode Hall Law School. Kim holds a Bachelor of Commerce, with Distinction, from Toronto Metropolitan University, where she majored in Marketing Management and minored in Law. Kim has always had a keen interest in the creatives, particularly in the advertising and entertainment spheres. This stems from, and continues to grow through, her experience in graphic design, content creation, and social media management. Kim has developed a fascination with intellectual property and brand protection. Kim looks forward to leveraging her skills and experiences to contribute meaningfully to the IP Innovation Clinic and its clients. In her spare time, Kim enjoys hiking, watching romcoms and, of course, scrolling through social media.
Jennifer Manley
JD Candidate 2024
Jennifer is a third-year JD Candidate at Osgoode Hall. Prior to law school, she completed her undergraduate degree in Life Sciences at Queen’s University, where she conducted virology, microbiology, and women’s health research. Jennifer worked at a top intellectual property law firm over her 2L summer. Outside of law school, Jennifer is training to be a sommelier at George Brown and enjoys taking her two German Shepherd dogs on long walks.
Michelle Mao Zunn
JD Candidate 2024
Michelle is a third-year JD Candidate at Osgoode Hall Law School. As a graduate from the University of Toronto’s Bachelor of Science program, double majoring in Health Studies and Global Health, she is interested in improving the health outcomes of Canadians through policy supporting innovative technology. Michelle’s particular interest in patent law stems from her passion in supporting the development of orphan drugs for rare diseases. As a clinic fellow, she is excited to develop her knowledge of IP practice in Canada, while helping inventors and creators protect their products. In her free time, she enjoys visiting art museums, taking long walks with her dog and playing video games.
Manya Nayak
JD Candidate 2024
Manya is a third-year JD Candidate at Osgoode Hall Law School. Prior to Osgoode, Manya completed her Honours Bachelor of Arts at the University of Toronto, majoring in Political Science and minoring in Philosophy and Ethics, Law, and Society. Manya’s interest in IP law stemmed from her studies in Copyright and Trademark law, as she has always had an interest in entertainment, branding and marketing. As a clinic fellow, Manya looks forward to assisting a variety of clients with protecting their intellectual property and in the future hopes to contribute to the legal protection of her own innovative project.
Misha Nili
JD Candidate 2025
Misha is a second-year JD Candidate at Osgoode Hall. She completed her Honours Bachelor of Science for a double major in Biology and Psychology at York University, and later completed a Bachelor of Nursing Science from the University of Toronto. Prior to law school, Misha worked as a Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse in Toronto, where her exposure to innovative new medical technologies sparked her interest in intellectual property law. In her spare time, Misha enjoys cooking, playing the piano and reading non-fiction books recommended on GatesNotes.
Hala Omar
JD Candidate 2024
Hala is a third-year JD Candidate at Osgoode Hall Law School. She has an Honours Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toronto in Digital Enterprise Management. Hala is interested in intellectual property and its intersection with privacy law and data management. This summer, Hala worked with the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care in their Information Management Strategy and Policy Branch. In this role, Hala conducted extensive policy research into Innovation Sandboxes for the public Health Information sector, and researched regulatory and IP concerns for the use of Personal Health Information by Emerging Technologies such as AI. Currently, Hala is a Writer for the IP Osgoode IPilogue. Through IP Innovation Clinic, Hala looks forward to assisting with the protection of intellectual property for clients with data driven businesses.
Grace Rao
JD Candidate 2025
Grace is a second-year JD Candidate at Osgoode Hall Law School. Previously, she attended Queen's University and obtained her Bachelor of Commerce degree, while also earning additional certificates in Law and Social Impact. Grace’s studies and volunteer work with Social Enterprises inspired her to pursue a career in intellectual property law.
Laura Schwartz
JD Candidate 2024
Laura Schwartz is a third-year JD Candidate at Osgoode Hall Law School. Prior to law school, she completed the Concurrent Education (Con-Ed) program at Queen’s University, earning a Bachelor of Education and a Bachelor of Arts in Global Development Studies. During her first two years of law school, Laura developed an interest in intellectual property law and is eager to leverage her skills and past experiences as a clinic fellow at the IP Innovation Clinic.
Denise Zhu
JD Candidate 2025
Denise is a second-year JD Candidate at Osgoode Hall Law School. Prior to law school, she studied Creative Writing, English, and the School for Advanced Studies in the Arts and Humanities (SASAH) at Western University. Denise’s passion for the arts, coupled with her experience in digital marketing and film, led to her interest in the IP Innovation Clinic. She is excited to develop her intellectual property knowledge while working closely with inventors and entrepreneurs. In her spare time, Denise enjoys reading webcomics, hiking and working on her YA novel.
The IP Innovation Clinic operates in collaboration with:
Office of the Vice-President Research & Innovation (VPRI)
The IP Innovation Clinic receives financial support from:
For all inquiries, we can be reached here:
IP Innovation Clinic
Osgoode Hall Law School, York University
4700 Keele Street
Toronto, ON M3J1P3
ipinnovationclinic@osgoode.yorku.ca
437-925-3821