Stratford Heads to BIO 2025

Jordan Pynn is the Vice President at Stratford Intellectual Property. Jordan specializes in IP operations and M&A due diligence. He has overseen the IP component of several M&A and fundraising transactions valued between $10M-500M, helping clients secure exits or funding from companies like Nokia, Alibaba, and Fortress Investment Group.

Jordan’s clients include start-ups, universities, research institutions, entrepreneurs, and multinational corporations. Jordan counsels clients about showcasing their IP in the best light for potential investors and acquirers.

Leah Rodin is the Patent Practice Leader of the Intellectual Property team at Stratford. Her team of patent agents builds strong intellectual property portfolios for innovative companies. Leah’s practice focuses on drafting and prosecuting patents and industrial designs. She advises clients on patent filing strategy and portfolio management and prepares opinions on patentability, validity, infringement and freedom to operate.

Specializing in chemical and life science patents, Leah has worked on a wide range of technologies including pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, agriculture and food science, medical devices, oil and gas, batteries and fuel cells, materials and consumer products. She has developed tailored solutions for clients ranging from large multinationals to small start-ups, to universities and individual inventors to protect their inventions and achieve their unique business objectives.

Joshua Smith is the Partner who leads the business incentives practice at Welch LLP, a group focused on maximizing cash flows for clients through the use of Scientific Research and Experimental Development, Ontario Interactive Digital Media and other tax credit claims as well as other business incentives.

Joshua has helped hundreds of companies across Canada plan and prepare successful SR&ED tax credit claims in industry sectors including software, hardware, manufacturing, design and pharmaceuticals. Joshua’s in depth knowledge of the income tax rules and regulations combined with his SR&ED expertise allows him to provide advice to help companies maximize current and future cash flows from tax credits and other government funding sources.

Michael Leaver is a Partner at Kelly Santini LLP. Michael has quickly developed a reputation as a ‘go to’ lawyer in Ottawa for M&A and corporate finance transactions. Since being called to the Bar in 2011, he has acted on more than 50 significant deals including many complex, high value and cross-border transactions.

Michael also has extensive knowledge and understanding of Not-For-Profit board governance and he advises many provincial and federal Not-For-Profit organizations and charities on their reporting requirements, annual meeting procedures, and the drafting of their by-laws.

Michael received his law degree from the University of Ottawa in 2010 and an Honours Degree in Social Sciences from the University of Ottawa in 2004.  Michael grew up in the small town of Madoc, ON and is proud to have settled within another small community with the Ottawa area, Dunrobin.

Tina Kotrych is the senior investment officer at the Consulate General of Canada in Chicago. In this role, she leverages broad networks on both sides of the border to help Midwest-based firms navigate all aspects of setting up and expanding operations in Canada. In addition to her foreign direct investment (FDI) expertise, Kotrych also has a keen sense for policy analysis built over a decade of advocacy efforts promoting Government of Canada trade priorities. Kotrych is a cum laude graduate of Eastern Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science degree in public sector management.