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.
“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
Bachelor of Science With Honours Molecular Genetics
2000
University of Alberta
Medical Sciences - Medical Genetics
2004
University of Alberta
Juris Doctor
2007
Alberta
2008
Involvement
Professional
Council of Canadian Innovators
Innovation Governance Program (iGP) Level 1
March 2025
Intellectual Property Institute of Canada (IPIC)
Patent Committee
2021 - Present
Registered United States Patent Agent
2013 - Present
Registered Canadian Patent Agent
2012 - Present
Registered Canadian Trademark Agent
2009 - 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
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.