In Memoriam - IPIC Past President Joan Van Zant

IPIC wishes to offer its sincere condolences following the passing of IPIC Past President and Member of Distinction Joan Van Zant on December 16th, 2019.

As an influential member of the Canadian IP community, Joan was registered in 1968 as one of the first-ever female patent agents in Canada and as a trademark agent in 1981. She was a senior partner at Norton Ruse Fulbright who served as IPIC's President from 1997-1998 and worked tirelessly to lead the formation of the new College of Patent Agents and Trademark Agents while mentoring young professionals in the industry and acting as a role model for many women in IP.

As an IPIC Member of Distinction in 2015, Joan was recognized as an IP professional who has made a significant contribution to the Intellectual Property Institute of Canada over the course of her 45+ year membership - an honor bestowed to very few. Her remarkable involvement at IPIC including serving as Chair of the Professional Regulation Committee, Ex Officio of the Forums & Seminars, Industrial Design and Patent Practice Committees and a valued member of the Women in IP, Non-Lawyer Patent Agents, Patent Agent Examination Standards and Foundation networks and committees, amongst others.

The Canadian IP community has lost one of its most accomplished members this week. On behalf of all of us at IPIC, we wish to thank Joan for her contribution to the profession throughout her impressive career and extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends and peers throughout this difficult time. She will be greatly missed.

Donations may be made to the Alberta Cancer Foundation in Joan’s memory.