Alex Buonassisi runs a broad intellectual property practice that includes all aspects of analyzing, securing, protecting, enforcing, and exploiting intellectual property including patents, industrial designs, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. With a background in electrical and software engineering, Alex supports many clients in the high-tech industry and has a particular focus on software and related technologies. Alex assists his clients with identifying potential inventions, securing patent protection, providing freedom to operate opinions, licensing, and selling intellectual property.

Prior to joining McMillan, Alex practiced intellectual property at a Vancouver-based boutique law firm, working primarily with clients in the software and electrical hardware industries.



Media Mentions


Directorships & Affiliations

  • Law Society of British Columbia
  • Canadian Bar Association
  • Intellectual Property Institute of Canada (IPIC)

Education & Admissions

2016
Called to the British Columbia Bar
2015
J.D.University of British Columbia
2012
Certificate in Conflict Resolution, Specialization in NegotiationJustice Institute of British Columbia
2007
B.Asc. Electrical EngineeringUniversity of British Columbia
Registered Canadian Patent Agent and reciprocal United States Patent Agent
Registered Canadian Trademark Agent

Publications

Insights (7 Posts)View More

Featured Insight

Patent Term Adjustments in Canada Are Here

On January 1, 2025, provisions related to Canada’s new patent term adjustment framework came into force. This bulletin provides an overview of these changes.

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Jan 20, 2025
Featured Insight

Plan Ahead: CIPO’s Adjustments to Its Fees Come Into Effect on January 1, 2025

CIPO government fees will increase in 2025. Where possible, applicants and registrants may wish to take action before the 2025 fees come into effect.

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Nov 26, 2024
Featured Insight

Expanded IP Protection in Canada for Buildings and Structures

On June 14, 2024, CIPO extended industrial design protection to buildings. This may impact the decisions of those in the construction industry.

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Jul 30, 2024
Featured Insight

Navigating the Grey: Deciphering “Use” in Patent Infringement Claims

In Steelhead LNG (ASLNG) Ltd. v. Arc Resources Ltd., the Court discussed what constitutes "use" of a patented invention in the context of patent infringement.

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May 6, 2024
Featured Insight

Don’t Get Caught by Canada’s Patent Novelty Grace-Period

The key difference between Canada and other jurisdictions like the United States when relying on the grace-period for inventor disclosures.

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Apr 23, 2024
Featured Insight

The “Due Care” Standard for Payment of Annual Patent Maintenance Fees

In Taillefer v. Canada (AG), the Federal Court considered the scope of the “due care” standard regarding the payment of annual patent maintenance fees.

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Feb 28, 2024
Featured Insight

CIPO and INPI-Brazil Collaborate in the Patent Prosecution Highway Program

Details and implications of CIPO and INPI-Brazil entering into a bilateral Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) Pilot Agreement.

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Feb 8, 2024

Deals & Cases (1 Posts)

Featured Insight

McMillan Advises Calabrio, Inc. in its Acquisition of Wysdom AI

On January 9, 2023, Calabrio, Inc. announced its acquisition of Crowdcare Corporation dba Wysdom AI.

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Jan 9, 2023