Intellectual Property Ontario announces Roula Thomas as new vice president, intellectual property
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kitchener, ON (May 27, 2025) —Intellectual Property Ontario (IPON) today announced the appointment of Roula Thomas as its new vice president, intellectual property, effective May 2025.
Thomas is a standout IP leader with more than 25 years of experience as a registered Canadian and U.S. patent agent. Throughout her distinguished career, Thomas has worked extensively in biotechnology and life sciences at multinational law firms where she advised and supported IP portfolios for large research and development organizations, academic institutions, and the government of Canada.
Most recently, Thomas led the National Research Council’s (NRC) in-house IP team and extensive IP portfolio across 13 research centres. She also served as director of the NRC IP Assist Program, which she built into a national platform that supports high-growth small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) in accessing specialized IP services.
“Roula’s proven expertise, leadership and collaborative approach make her an ideal choice to lead IPON as its VP, IP,” said Karima Bawa, Chair of IPON’s Board of Directors. “She is a recognized leader and a true bridge-builder in the Canadian innovation ecosystem.”
In her first weeks with IPON, Thomas will connect with clients, partners and stakeholders across the province to help shape the next phase of IPON’s mandate.
“I’m excited to join IPON at such a pivotal time. Ontario is a leader within Canada’s innovation ecosystem and IPON is well positioned to lead in strengthening our innovative economy,” said Thomas. “IPON has already made significant progress in helping Ontario innovators protect and leverage their IP, and I’m eager to help build on that momentum.”
In its second year of operations, IPON has invested over $17 million in direct SME funding, and over $9.5 million in strengthening IP capacity at Ontario colleges and universities. More than 1,700 made-in-Ontario IP assets have been protected with IPON’s support to date.
Ontario innovators can learn more and apply to access Ontario’s trusted IP support at ip-ontario.ca.
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Intellectual Property Ontario
Intellectual Property Ontario (IPON) is a provincial agency that provides trusted IP support and services to enable Ontario businesses and researchers to innovate and grow. IPON works directly with innovators and postsecondary institutions to help them better understand how to protect and maximize the value of their IP, strengthen their capacity to grow and compete in the market, and advance the province’s economic growth. For more information, visit www.ip-ontario.ca.
Media Contact:
Laura Bunn
Communications Lead
Intellectual Property Ontario
laura.bunn@ip-ontario.ca