Biography
Robyn is an associate at Gilbert’s LLP, specializing in patent litigation while developing her practice in copyright and trademark matters. Additionally, as a member of our Gilbert’s Solutions team, Robyn also focuses on finding innovative approaches to critical challenges facing the global health sector and pharmaceutical industry. Her thoughtful and investigative approach is present in every new project she takes on, ensuring that all avenues are explored for her clients.
Robyn’s interests lie in the intersection of intellectual property, technology, and social impact. She has delved into the evolving questions of ownership and authorship in the age of AI in view of providing guidance for clients in technical fields. In her litigation practice, she seeks to use alternative dispute resolution including mediation to aid in navigating complex IP disputes in an efficient and cost-effective way.
Prior to joining the firm, Robyn earned a Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Health Physiology in her hometown, Calgary, Alberta. Robyn’s passion for LGBTQ+ inclusion in sport policy led her to McGill Law. This is where she explored intellectual property, privacy law, and the impact of AI. At McGill, Robyn also served as Editor in Chief of the McGill Journal of Law and Health (MJLH), was a Senior Advocate for students involved in disputes at McGill and was fortunate to work with the Centre of Genomics and Policy (CGP).
Robyn is also eager to apply her knowledge to help protect the intellectual property of athletes in emerging sporting leagues, in particular female athletes experiencing a rapid growth in exposure, through strategic copyright and trademark approaches. Given Robyn’s passion for LGBTQ+ inclusion, she seeks out opportunities to support equitable access to healthcare for this community. She is equally committed to educating law students and the public, sharing her expertise to improve access to the often-opaque legal system.
In her free time, Robyn enjoys Latin dancing (Salsa, Bachata, Kizomba). She is also looking forward to attending and supporting the WNBA’s expansion team, the Toronto Tempo, in the coming years. Robyn is fluent in French and is working on her Spanish.
Representative Cases
- Diogenes Limited ats. DraftKings Inc, D. Del. C.A. No. 21-1695-MN-CJBIPR 779: Co-counsel to plaintiff in US District Court patent infringement action and in related inter partes review proceedings (IPR2023-00268) before Patent Trial and Appeal Board relating to various gaming patents.
- University of Toronto v. Easy EDU et al, Federal Court File No. T-948-22: Counsel to defendant tutoring companies in action by university concerning copyright and fair dealing.
- Siccardi ats. Lighthouse Immersive Inc: Supported counsel, as articling student, in representing creditor in CCAA proceedings and co-pending arbitration relating to copyright in and commercial exploitation of “immersive works”.
- Wi-LAN Inc. v. Apple Inc. et al, Federal Court File No. T-893-21: Supported counsel, as summer student, in representing plaintiffs in a patent infringement action involving issues related to Standards Essential Patents (SEPs) and FRAND.
- Amelin Resources Inc v. Victory Energy Operations LLC, ONSC File No. CV-15-531384, 2022 ONSC 4514: Supported counsel, as summer student, in representing plaintiff in action concerning breach of exclusive sales representative agreement and civil conspiracy.
- Six Nations of the Grand River Band of Indians v. Canada et al, ONSC File No. CV-18-594281: Supported counsel, as summer student, in representing proposed intervenor (the Haudenosaunee Development Institute) in major land claim litigation.
- Vandervelde v. Mattamy et al, ONSC File No. CV-18-137597: Supported counsel, as summer student, in representing plaintiffs in action concerning fraudulent misrepresentations in subdivision development.
Speaking Engagements
- Co-presenter, “IP Bootcamp” for students at Western University (November 10, 2023)
- Moderator, “ELSI Panel Discussion: Incorporating ethical, legal, and social implications to strengthen stem cell science and knowledge mobilization” at Till & McCulloch Meetings (TMM) (October 4, 2022)
- Presenter, “Towards a Charter for Regenerative Medicine” at McGill Regenerative Medicine (MRM) Talks (October 21, 2021)
Publications
- “Whither Health Research: The Missed Opportunities of the Child’s Right to Health” (2023), The International Journal of Children’s Rights, Vol. 31: 865-889.
- “Federated Analysis for Privacy-Preserving Data Sharing: A Technical and Legal Primer” (2023), Annual Review of Genomics and Human Genetics, Vol. 24: 347-368.
- “The Evolution of Canadian Election Debate Law: Has the Nature of Debates Changed?” (2021), Journal of Parliamentary and Political Law, Vol. 15; 369-376.
- “Ministerial Maternity Leave in the United Kingdom; Equality Gaps and Canadian Comparison” (2021), Journal of Parliamentary and Political Law, Vol. 15; 377-381.