Silvia de Sousa

The keynote speaker, Silvia de Sousa, is a professional woman with the drive and commitment to succeed. Partner at Thompson Dorfman Sweatman LLP, the leading corporate law firm in Manitoba as recognized by Lexpert®, The Business Magazine for Lawyers, and Chairperson of the Technology & Intellectual Property Law Section of the Manitoba Bar Association, Silvia is recognized for her acclaimed work in commercial and intellectual property transactions. An expert on intellectual property matters, she works closely with a wide variety of clients, from large corporations to venture capital funds. A leader in her community, Silvia is a member of a number of professional and community boards and associations; with a special involvement in the support of emerging leaders. She believes that they are key to strengthening both the community and the economy. With many high profile achievements under her belt, including being a mother of two young daughters, Silvia is a dynamic example of what balancing a successful career, a family and giving back to your community is all about.

Women of Influence Awards

Congratulations to Diane Wreford, Director of Communications and Development, Canadian Agricultural Society Association. She was chosen by Winnipeg as their local Woman of Influence. She will be recognized for her increasing contribution and leadership, and positioned as a future Woman of Influence speaker, on November 27. View the other winners in their event cities here > Silvia’s practice is concentrated in the area of business law with an emphasis on intellectual property law, life sciences law and technology law. Her practice also includes intellectual property transactions, commercial law, financings and licensing matters.

Education
University of Manitoba, LLB., 1993
University of Manitoba, Bachelor of Arts, 1990

Call to the Bar
Manitoba, 1994

Representative Cases/Transactions
Silvia’s practice focuses on strategic planning and management of intellectual property assets and she is regularly involved in advising companies on strategies for protecting and exploiting intellectual property assets and assessing those assets and potential acquisitions. She also works closely with the members of her firm’s business group on intellectual property aspects of corporate transactions. Silvia’s experience also includes enforcing intellectual property rights.

Silvia’s clients include corporations, universities, start-up companies, investors, venture capital funds and researchers.

Publications and Presentations
Silvia has spoken on many occasions to professional organizations and industry groups on intellectual property matters and business matters.

E-Commerce - Up Up and Away (Pitblado Lectures 2005).

Law Society Presentations on intellectual property and technology matters.

Seminars on intellectual property and business law matters.

Lex Mundi Publications, namely:

Business Guide for Manitoba

Intellectual Property Manual for Manitoba

Survey on Trends for Commercialising IP

Doing Business in Manitoba Handbook 2007.

Legal Teachings
Seasonal Lecturer for The University of Manitoba, Faculty of Law on solicitor transaction matters.

Professional Associations
Member of the Canadian Bar Association
Member of the International Trademark Association (INTA)
Member of the Intellectual Property Institute of Canada
Member of the Life Science Association of Manitoba
Member of Lex Mundi
Trademark Agent in Canada
Member of the Manitoba Bar Association

Community Involvement and Other Affiliations
Treasurer of the Canadian Bar Association's National Intellectual Property Section

Chair of the Technology and Intellectual Property Law Section of the Manitoba Bar Association

Member of the Board of Directors for the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce

Former Chairperson of the Canada Pension Plan/Old Age Security Review Tribunal

Member of the Board of The Young Associates

Former Chairperson of the Policy Committee Chairperson of the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce