Volunteer Spotlight: Stephanie Chong

Stephanie Chong, Hoffer Adler LLP in Toronto, Canada

Stephanie Chong, a partner with Hoffer Adler LLP in Toronto, Canada, and an active INTA volunteer for many years, was recently elected to serve as president of the Intellectual Property Institute of Canada (IPIC) for the 2020–2021 term.

Ms. Chong attended her first INTA Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C., in 2002. She has contributed to numerous INTA committees and values the opportunity that involvement with INTA provides to meet and interact with amazing people from all over the world and to keep informed of international developments in trademark law and practice.

She practices exclusively in intellectual property (IP) law, with an emphasis on trademark acquisition, management, licensing, enforcement, and strategy. Her clients range from SMEs to large multinationals in a broad range of industries.

Ms. Chong has been an active committee member for the better part of the past 15 years, serving on the following committees (and subcommittees): International Amicus (Canada and Latin America), Enforcement (Discovery Practices), Legislation and Regulation (Canada), and Indigenous Rights. She has also presented Table Topics at past Annual Meetings and is a regular Annual Meeting and Leadership Meeting attendee.

Ms. Chong looks forward to the time when we can again attend international INTA meetings in person and can share the benefits from those experiences.

Ms. Chong has long been an active member of IPIC, having been involved with various committees as a member and chair over the years. Her election as the first IPIC President from the Black, Indigenous, and people of color community is not only a recognition of her own personal achievements within the IP bar but it is also a strong message of support by the IPIC Board and membership for one of the four major goals in IPIC’s Strategic Plan—to become a leader on equity, diversity, and inclusion issues. One of Ms. Chong’s goals as IPIC President is to continue to move the needle forward on these important issues.

Ms. Chong’s parents grew up in the African island nation of Mauritius. Ms. Chong was born in Ireland and spent part of her early childhood in England before moving to Canada. She grew up in the small town of Orillia, Ontario, north of Toronto. Her varied upbringing helps her to better understand and appreciate different perspectives and viewpoints.

When not practicing law and volunteering her time to advance the interests of INTA and IPIC, Ms. Chong loves every minute of her time with the two people at the center of her life, her school-age son and her husband. They are all passionate outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy family camping, hiking, and skiing adventures.

Although every effort has been made to verify the accuracy of this article, readers are urged to check independently on matters of specific concern or interest.

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