Michael Sharp

  • he / him / his

Counsel, Patent Agent + Trademark Agent

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Offices: 

  • Edmonton

Languages: English

Michael Sharp is a dedicated and passionate intellectual property (IP) lawyer, committed to helping clients safeguard their innovations and use them as a competitive advantage. With a deep love for science and technology, he thrives in the dynamic field of IP law, continually engaging with cutting-edge developments that keep the work exciting and never boring.

Clients frequently turn to Michael for guidance on protecting the investment they have made into their research and successfully commercializing their products or services. With a keen understanding of the challenges and opportunities in bringing ideas to the marketplace, Michael offers strategic tools and solutions to navigate these complexities.

Having served as the Head of IP for a publicly traded company, Michael possesses invaluable in-house experience that provides a comprehensive perspective on IP management. This real-world insight enables him to deliver holistic IP strategies that balance legal requirements with practical business considerations.

Michael is a practical problem solver and an attentive listener who excels in understanding clients' needs and motivations. This skill set, combined with strong interpersonal abilities, ensures that he can effectively tailor strategies to achieve desired outcomes for clients.

Related
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Value to
Clients

  • “As a practical problem solver, I believe that I can get to the right result in an efficient manner. Client relationships are very important to me. Working side-by-side with my clients as they go through their IP and business journey is incredibly rewarding. I can't help but think about IP issues all the time - often knowing the IP story that has occurred in the background can help make sense of business decisions that otherwise would not be apparent. I'm an experienced and sought after speaker and IP strategist and use both opportunities to stay on top of trending issues and continue thinking about IP in fresh new ways.”

Qualifications

  • Education
  • Bar Admissions
  • University of Alberta
    Juris Doctor
    2007
  • University of Alberta
    Medical Sciences, Medical Genetics
    2004
  • University of Alberta
    Bachelor of Science, Molecular Genetics with Honours
    2000
  • Alberta
    2008

Involvement

  • Professional
  • Volunteer Work
  • Council of Canadian Innovators
    Innovation Governance Program (iGP) Level 1
    March 2025
  • Intellectual Property Institute of Canada (IPIC)
    Patent Committee
    2021 - Present
  • Intellectual Property Institute of Canada (IPIC)
    Chair or Co-Chair of the Inhouse Practitioners Community
    2021 - 2024
  • Faculty of Law, University of Alberta – Sessional Instructor
    Oxford International Intellectual Property Moot Coach
    2018
  • Faculty of Law, University of Alberta – Sessional Instructor
    Harold G. Fox Canadian Intellectual Property Moot Coach
    2016, 2017, 2019
  • CBA National Intellectual Property Section
    Executive Member
    2015 - 2017
  • Registered United States Patent Agent
    2013 - Present
  • Registered Canadian Patent Agent
    2012 - Present
  • Registered Canadian Trademark Agent
    2009 - Present
  • Edmonton Space + Science Foundation
    Science Fellowship Committee
    2016 - 2019
  • Science Slam Canada
    Founding Board Member
    2018 - 2020
  • Health Cities
    Strategy Committee
    2024 - Present
  • TELUS World of Science (Edmonton Space + Science Foundation)
    Governance Committee
    2019 - Present
  • Edmonton Space + Science Foundation
    Leadership Committee
    2015 - 2017
  • River City Venture Legal Services Centre
    Advising Lawyer
    2023 - Present
  • BioAlberta – Association for Life Sciences Industry
    Advocacy and Policy Committee
    2024 - Present
  • BioAlberta – Association for Life Sciences Industry
    Board Director
    2022 - Present
  • BioAlberta – Association for Life Sciences Industry
    Awards Committee
    2025 - Present
  • TELUS World of Science (Edmonton Space + Science Foundation)
    Board Director
    2019 - Present

Get to Know

Get to Know Michael

Michael is a long-time curler and has been playing in the Edmonton Lawyers' Curling league for over a decade. He is also passionate about the Alberta Craft Beer industry and culture. He has a young son who keeps him active and curious.