Anthony is a go-to intellectual property attorney and strategist who advises IP-centric and data-rich companies across a range of industries. He has a particular focus on information technology, including fintech and artificial intelligence, as well as innovations at the intersection of computing technologies and health care.
His practice encompasses IP strategy advisory work for clients across all phases of developing and implementing IP strategies and innovation agendas. Anthony helps enterprises create and implement IP programs, policies, business processes, and related decision-making structures and provides board of director training in IP governance. He also regularly leads IP brainstorming sessions, providing guidance on IP protection and mining and how to use technology to streamline IP development.
In addition, clients seek Anthony’s counsel in complex contracts and contracting programs involving technology, IP, and data, such as joint ventures, joint development arrangements, technology collaborations, consortia (including enterprise blockchain collectives), patent pooling arrangements, and open-source projects. This aspect of his practice also involves coordinating risk- and value-based IP due diligence for transactions and joint ventures.
Anthony works with public and private companies of all sizes, from start-ups to scaling technology companies to large corporations, as well as venture capital investors and many types of research institutions. He serves as lead outside counsel to fast-growing scale-ups, advising on a range of IP and commercial issues and managing cross-disciplinary teams.
In addition, Anthony has a proven track record of helping technology scale-ups expand and increase their valuation, often devising winning IP and IP monetization strategies and contributing to successful exits.
A recognized thought leader, Anthony frequently lectures and speaks on a broad range of topics involving intellectual property and innovation. He currently teaches two courses on IP commercialization for Osgoode Hall Law School. He has also delivered talks on a variety of IP and tech topics, including at the MaRS Discovery District, Next AI, IPIC, and the Toronto Machine Learning Summit. Among other issues, he has spoken about protecting value and managing risk in technology collaborations, legal and ethical implications of AI adoption, data sharing and ownership arrangements in AI, and IP strategy and IP development programs for scale-ups.
Prior to joining Mintz, Anthony was a partner in the Intellectual Property Group in the Toronto office of a global law firm, where he served as a strategic advisor to IP-focused technology firms. During his tenure, he served as the IP lead for the Innovation Law Clinic, a collaborative program with the University of Toronto Faculty of Law that serves Ontario start-ups, and as a leader of the firm’s Technology & Innovation service area. He also developed the firm’s scale-up preparedness program, creating modules on key legal, IP, and regulatory topics and managing the build-out of the program, including associated technology. Earlier, he was co-head of IP at a national Canadian law firm.
viewpoints
Best Practices in Developing Winning IP Strategies for AI Companies
November 14, 2024 | Article | By Anthony de Fazekas, Terri Shieh-Newton
News & Press
TORONTO- Mintz is pleased to announce the recognition of several attorneys in the Canadian Lawyer’s 2024 Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory.
Mintz Announces Record Member Growth in 2023
December 22, 2023
Mintz proudly announced the election of 13 attorneys to Members and the addition of a record-setting 22 new lateral Members in 2023, with 11 Partners in the newly opened Toronto office. This diverse group strengthens Mintz’s core areas, spanning Commercial and IP Litigation, Life Sciences, Tech, Private Equity, and Energy & Sustainability. The elevated Members and new lateral additions bring invaluable expertise to help clients navigate complex legal landscapes.
High-Profile Toronto Real Estate Attorney Joins Mintz
December 18, 2023
TORONTO – Mintz continues its expansion in Toronto with the addition of Mervyn Allen who joins as a Partner and will launch the firm’s Real Estate practice in Canada.
BOSTON – Y. Jenny Chen, PhD has joined Mintz as a Member in the firm’s highly-regarded Intellectual Property (IP) practice, adding further expertise and depth to the firm’s life sciences offering.
Mintz Snags IP Partner From Norton Rose In Toronto
October 4, 2023
Anthony de Fazekas’ arrival to Mintz was highlighted in a Law360 article, which profiled his practice and the several reasons behind his decision to join.
Leading Tech IP Attorney Joins Mintz in Toronto
October 02, 2023
TORONTO – Mintz is pleased to announce that Intellectual Property attorney Anthony de Fazekas has joined the firm, adding further depth to its highly-regarded Technology practice.
US Legal Giant Mintz Levin Hires Four More Bay Street Stars To Beef Up Fast-Growing Toronto Office
September 29, 2023
The Globe and Mail highlighted Mintz’s continued growth in the Toronto market in an article detailing the arrival of several leading attorneys, including Partners Katy Pitch, Alex North, and Anthony de Fazekas.
Events & Speaking
Strategic Insights: Legal Frameworks for Canadian Expansion in the U.S.
MaRS Discovery District
Toronto, ON
Recognition & Awards
The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory: Repeatedly recommended in Intellectual Property (2021 - 2022) and Technology Transactions (2021 - 2024)
Chambers FinTech, Canada: FinTech Legal (2021 – 2022)
Best Lawyers in Canada: Intellectual Property Law (2014 – 2022)
Involvement
- Advisor, MaRS Discovery District and Communitech, Ontario, Canada
- IP and data-sharing adviser, Scale.AI, intelligent supply chain supercluster, Montreal and Waterloo, Ontario, Canada