IPIC Announces Ahmed Elmallah as Recipient of the Roger T. Hughes Future Leader Award

The Roger T. Hughes Future Leader Award is presented to a future leader member of IPIC who has made significant contributions to an IPIC Committee, Community, or other substantial IPIC initiative over the past year. This individual will have demonstrated significant leadership, commitment, and dedication to increasing awareness of IPIC along with the value and future of the IP profession in Canada. IPIC’s Board of Directors is delighted to announce Ahmed Elmallah as the recipient of this year’s Roger T. Hughes Future Leader Award, presented on September 27, 2024.

As Vice-Chair of the Emerging Leaders Committee (ELC), Ahmed contributed to the revamping of IPIC’s student outreach, the renaming of the committee, and engaging with IPIC Indigenous student program to identify avenues of contact with key individuals in universities and community groups. As current Chair of the ELC, Ahmed has led new initiatives such as the virtual networking event “Leaders of Today Meeting Leaders of Tomorrow” to ensure continuity and engagement with future IP practitioners. Ahmed has breathed new life into the ELC, by encouraging the team to meet frequently and by actively providing feedback and comments to ELC members. IPIC is grateful for all Ahmed’s hard work and enthusiasm, and we look forward to continuing as a beneficiary of his efforts in the future. – Paula Clancy, IPIC President 2023-2024

Ahmed Elmallah is an Associate, Patent and Trademark Agent at Bennett Jones LLP in Edmonton, Alberta who practices in intellectual property (IP) law, with a focus on patent drafting and prosecution.  Ahmed assists clients in securing patent protection for their inventions in Canada, the United States and internationally. He also provides strategic guidance to clients in developing, monetizing and enforcing valuable patent assets and portfolios.

Being recognized by IPIC means a tremendous amount to me. IPIC is a venerated institution that has done incredible and tireless work for the profession. For my part, I have been involved with IPIC over the past eight or nine years, and have enjoyed every minute of it. Receiving this award only confirms my hope and willingness to continue contributing to IPIC, and in every way possible.– Ahmed Elmallah, 2024 Roger T. Hughes Future Leader Award Recipient

With an applied science background, Ahmed drafts patent applications covering a wide range of high technology and mechanical subject matter. His prior experience includes drafting patents relating to: artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning technology, oil and gas technology, medical systems, software-based technology, privacy technology, autonomous and robotic systems, electronic power technology, multi-media broadcasting systems, telecommunication systems, nanotechnology, quantum technology, photonic technology, satellite communication systems, financial technology (fintech) and clean technology (cleantech), among other subject matter fields. Ahmed also has prior experience obtaining industrial design and copyright protection.

Prior to joining Bennett Jones, Ahmed worked at a number of prominent IP law firms on Bay Street in Toronto, where he undertook both patent and trademark drafting and prosecution and provided patent and trademark litigation support.

Ahmed graduated from law at Queen's University on the Dean's Honours List. During law school he received the Bereskin & Parr Award in Patent Law, WeirFoulds LLP Prize in Remedies as well as the Queen's Law Prize in Copyright Law for highest standing. Ahmed also obtained his B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Alberta, where he graduated third in his class.

When Ahmed isn’t working, he enjoys watching soccer, following the Oilers and watching any political drama or movie he can find on Netflix. Recently he tried taking up golf but is now ready to give up because it’s actually a lot harder than it looks on TV.

About the Honourable Justice Roger T. Hughes

The Honourable Justice Roger T. Hughes (Ret.) is a former Judge of the Federal Court of Canada and valued member of the Intellectual property Institute (IPIC) for 48 years. Justice Hughes served as President of IPIC, formerly the Patent and Trademark Institute of Canada, from 1996-1997. Throughout his long-standing membership to IPIC he served on multiple committees offering his experience, knowledge, and expertise to benefit the association, our members, and the IP profession.

Justice Hughes is a recognized expert in intellectual property matters, he obtained his LLB at the University of Toronto in 1966 and was called to the Bar in Ontario in 1968 and in Alberta in 1979. Prior to his appointment to the Federal Court of Canada in June 2005, he practised law in Toronto as an Associate and Partner at Sim, Hughes, Ashton & McKay and Sim & McBurney specializing in Practice restricted to Patents, Industrial Designs, Trademarks, Trade Secrets, Copyright, Licensing, Franchising, Products Liability and Related Matters.

Justice Hughes was awarded Member of Distinction status from IPIC as a reflection of the contributions and honour he has brought to the IP profession.