Paul Horbal is a partner, lawyer and patent agent in Marks & Clerk’s Toronto office and the Head of the firm’s Computer and Electrical group in Canada. His practice focuses predominantly on patents, industrial designs and related licensing matters across a diverse array of fields including machine learning/artificial intelligence, computer software, electronics, financial technology, cybersecurity, blockchain and biomedical devices. Paul is an experienced IP advisor and excels at providing tailored solutions for clients of all sizes: from startups to small- and medium-sized enterprises to multinational companies. He especially enjoys collaborating with inventors and in-house counsel to develop and execute effective IP strategies, whether through building and managing IP portfolios, or ensuring that vital trade secrets are adequately safeguarded. Paul has extensive experience preparing and prosecuting patent applications, both domestically and internationally, and is particularly skilled at identifying and implementing strategies for protecting complex or difficult subject matter. He also provides strategic advice to clients relating to software licensing and, in particular, open-source software and third-party code licence compliance.
