The Kitchener–Waterloo M&A Club is pleased to invite you to its upcoming lunch meeting.

Topic: The Asset You Can’t Fix After Signing: Intellectual Property as a Deal Defining Variable in M&A and Growth Transactions

Intellectual property is a core asset in the vast majority of transactions, yet it is still treated too often as a late stage diligence exercise. This session reframes IP as an early stage strategic variable that directly affects valuation, deal structure, risk allocation, and post closing flexibility.

Drawing on current Canadian and US deal practice, Stephano Salani and Zach Nickels will explore how ownership, licensing, data rights, software, and technology dependencies shape transactions long before the LOI is signed. The session will also offer practical guidance for companies preparing for a transaction or capital raise on how to strengthen their IP position, mitigate common red flags, and prioritize accurate valuations.

Presenters:

Stephano Salani
Stephano Salani is a patent lawyer at Dipchand LLP who helps investors, buyers, and operating companies unlock and protect the value of intellectual property in complex transactions. Licensed in Canada and the U.S. and registered with the USPTO, he brings cross-border execution capability to IP-driven deals.

He advises on patent strategy, portfolio structuring, and IP diligence - working across drafting, prosecution, licensing, and disputes - to position assets for acquisition, integration, and monetization. His experience spans high-value technologies including software, advanced manufacturing, energy systems, and life sciences, where IP is often core to enterprise value.

With a mechanical engineering background and cross-border legal training, Stephano translates technical assets into clear commercial leverage: helping clients assess risk, drive valuation, and execute on IP-focused M&A strategies. 

Zach Nickels
Zach Nickels is an intellectual property lawyer at Dipchand LLP who protects enterprise value when IP is on the line, delivering strategic advice, decisive enforcement, and litigation when necessary. He brings a litigation‑informed risk lens to IP, helping businesses pressure‑test exposure, protect leverage, and avoid post‑close surprises where IP disputes can impact valuation and execution.

A core member of the firm’s IP litigation team, he helps resolve infringement disputes and supports matters before the Federal Court of Canada and the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, with additional experience before the Federal Court of Appeal.

On the advisory side, Zach Nickels counsels on commercial relationships involving IP and advises on contractual and privacy matters, bringing a practical, business-first approach to protecting, maximizing, and enforcing intangible asset value.

Time: Starting 12:00pm 

Address: EDC - Export Development Canada, 137, Glasgow Street, #Suite 460Kitchener, N2G 4X8