IP is a Team Effort
Partner
Registered Canadian and U.S. Patent Agent
M.Sc. [Physics]
André Merizzi
Your tech isn't static, and nor should your IP!
As a physicist at heart, Andre’s practice focuses on dynamic patent portfolio development and optimization in high tech, med tech, software, optics and mechanical devices.
With over 20 years in private practice, Andre works with innovators to craft valuable patent portfolios from the ground up, and revisits their options on a regular basis. Much like your technology and market directions may evolve over time… so should your IP strategy!
For existing IP holders, Andre can skillfully help upgrade pending patent portfolios by dynamically mapping product and market alignment for optimal claim value.
- Pending patent claim optimization
- Patent continuation / divisional claim mining and market realignment
Recommended Expert by IAM Patent 1000 Ranking (2020-2025):
"Andre Merizzi pursues aggressive filing strategies to rapidly put start-ups on the strongest IP footing. A science and technology aficionado with a can-do attitude, he brings infectious enthusiasm and dynamism to patent practice in Canada."
“André Merizzi instantly impresses with his friendly but professional approach. Not only has he the technical capabilities to handle tough matters, but his hands-on approach and insightful recommendations have efficiently secured the grant of numerous patents.”
"André Merizzi applies his excellent legal and technical knowledge to develop and implement comprehensive, business-oriented strategies that not only protect his patrons’ technologies but also improve their competitive standing."
Partner
Registered Canadian and U.S. Patent Agent
B.Sc. [Life Science], B.Sc. [Hons. Biology]
James Ramsbottom
James holds a B.Sc. in Life Sciences and a B.Sc. (Hons.) in Biology from the Faculty of Science at McMaster University. He later pursued doctoral studies in Molecular Pharmacology within the Faculty of Pharmacology, Chemotherapy and Microbiology at the University of Trieste, Italy.
During his graduate research, James developed a strong interest in Intellectual Property through collaboration with international scientific partners. Building on his scientific training, he began focusing on patent protection in the natural sciences, life sciences, and biotechnology. His practice has since expanded to include work with innovators across a range of disciplines, including automotive technologies, production systems, food and beverage, oil and gas, biofuels, and medical devices.
James is the named inventor on several issued U.S. and Canadian patents in the life sciences and chemical sectors. He has also authored peer-reviewed publications in pharmacology, wound healing, and neuroscience.
Prior to entering private practice, James served in-house at a life sciences company in the Toronto area, where he oversaw the company’s patent portfolio and managed the drafting and prosecution of patent applications. For more than a decade, he has been a Partner and Co-founder of his own intellectual property firm.
James is actively engaged in community service, having served as a board director for the Rotary Club and the Chamber of Commerce, and as a member of several advisory committees in scientific research and intellectual property.
Registered Canadian Patent Agent
Registered Canadian Trademark Agent
B.Sc. [Genetics], B.Sc. [Hons. Biochemistry], LL.B.
Kimberly Conroy
“The best part of working in IP is that every day brings something new across my desk.”
With a background in biochemistry and genetics, Kim has spent the past nine years diligently supporting her clients with their intellectual property (IP) portfolios in Canada and internationally. She is a dual-qualified patent and trademark agent in Canada and a registered patent attorney in South Africa. Combining technical insight with legal expertise, Kim advises on patents, designs, trademarks, and copyright matters.
Kim is committed to making IP understandable and manageable for her clients. She focuses on clarity, cost predictability, and the development of holistic IP strategies tailored to each client’s specific needs. Rather than encourage clients to “file for everything,” she works closely with them to ensure their IP budget is directed toward the assets that genuinely add value through competitive advantage.
Her practice includes advising start-ups on building purposeful and scalable IP portfolios across a wide range of technologies – from medical devices and software-implemented image processing to consumer products. Kim also prosecutes and manages a significant volume of Canadian patent and trademark filings for foreign applicants, experience that gives her valuable insight into the nuances of examination before the Canadian Intellectual Property Office.
Kim is actively engaged in the local IP community. She serves on the Patent Agent Training Committee of the Intellectual Property Institute of Canada (IPIC), ensuring the next generation of patent agents is equipped with the tools for practice, and volunteers with the Patent and Trademark Institute Educational Foundation (PTIEF).
As she continues to grow her practice, Kim is interested in developing long-term relationships with clients who seek to identify and protect their competitive differentiators and brand identifiers in Canada and abroad.
Sarah manages the firm’s daily operations while overseeing all patent and trademark deadline docketing, tracking and management processes. If you work with us, Sarah will be part of that process, and if we haven’t heard from you on an upcoming deadline, you will be sure to hear from her.
Sarah has been working closely with James and André for nearly 10 years, and worked in IP for a number of years before then, starting her career in IP at a national law firm in Ottawa in 2007. Her meticulous attention to detail and tireless management of client deadlines and patent office requirements makes her an indispensable member of the MR-IP team.
Patent and Trademark Practice Manager
Sarah Gallagher
Ella Bluhm
Patent and Trademark Administrator
Ella works closely with the firm’s professionals to complete regular filings with the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO). She also prepares and dispatches various reports and reminders to clients on upcoming patent and trademark deadlines, and activity from the CIPO.
Ella has been actively working in IP for a number of years, providing committed support to the firm’s smooth operation and day-to-day activities.
Marianne Nahayo
Patent and Trademark Administrator
Marianne handles the firm’s maintenance and annuity fee tracking, reporting and payment processes, and tracks the status of the firm’s dealings at the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO). She also prepares and dispatches various reports and reminders to clients on upcoming patent and trademark deadlines, and activity from the CIPO.
Marianne more recently started working in IP, and continues to expand her role while diligently supporting to the firm’s day-to-day activities.
Laura Villa
Accounting, Administrative Assistant
Laura handles the firm’s day-to-day accounting practices, including the preparation and dispatch of client invoices, the processing of account payables and receivables, and general bookkeeping operations.