Black History Month IPIC Member Spotlight - Kristina Milbourn

In celebration of Black History Month throughout February IPIC will be highlighting leaders in the #IP profession through a series of Member Spotlights. The spotlights promote the significant contributions these members have made to the IP profession and industry and bring awareness to challenges and/or obstacles they have faced in their careers. Each spotlight will also include insights and advice to inspire the next generation of IP leaders. The following spotlight features IPIC member Kristina Milbourn, Managing Counsel, Litigation, Rogers Communications.

About Kristina: Kristina Milbourn is an experienced technology lawyer and the head of litigation for Rogers Communications, one of Canada’s largest telecommunications companies. Kristina is the founder of the Rogers’ Piracy Lab, the chair of Rogers’ Copyright & Piracy practice group and the chief strategist behind Rogers’ impact litigation. She has appeared before the Federal Court of Canada, the Ontario Superior Court, and has provided expert views on copyright reform before Parliamentary committees in Canada, and at the White House Office of the Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator in the United States.  

Kristina sits on the Law and Business Advisory Council for Toronto Metropolitan University; sits on the Young Alumni Advisory Council for Western Law School; is the Vice Chair of the Intellectual Property Institute of Canada’s (IPIC) Copyright Committee; and serves as Course Director for IPIC-McGill’s Copyright Master Class. 

Kristina holds a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) from the University of Toronto; a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from Western University; and a Master of Laws (LL.M.) from Columbia Law School.

Why is equality, diversity, and inclusion important to the IP profession?

In my view, new lawyers who see themselves represented in a diverse profession are less likely to doubt their belonging and are more likely to make wholehearted contributions to our field.

Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of?

The accomplishment I’m most proud of is building a body of caselaw which culminated in Canada’s first dynamic site-blocking order, designed to protect the copyright in live broadcasts (2022 FC 775).  It feels really impactful to be creating innovative legal remedies that have relevance in a digital age. 

What advice would you give to those who are just joining our association as they look to advance their careers?

Be consistent about participating in those committees that interest you.  Before long, obscure concepts will become demystified, and acquaintances will become friends.  Ours is a very collegial Bar!

What will be the biggest challenge for the next generation of BIPOC leaders in the IP profession?

It’s really heartening to see so many topical conversations about representation, inclusion and who should be given a chance to lead.  I think the next challenge for BIPOC leaders will be to steward EDI initiatives away from tokenism, and into something consistent, comprehensive and long-lasting. 

How has your background/influences brought you to this position, and what made you want to volunteer for IPIC?

I credit my father (also a lawyer) with setting me down this path, and helping me see law as a worthy profession.  Relatedly, I know that my STEM education was instrumental in my choice of intellectual property as a legal speciality.  Choosing to volunteer my time with IPIC is how I express my gratitude for being a contributing member of a profession which has significant barriers to entry.