Name: Victoria Di Felice
Position: Newsletter Editor, OBA IT/IP Law Section
Who is Victoria Di Felice?
I am an associate at Deeth Williams Wall LLP, a boutique IP and IT law firm in Toronto. I practice in both intellectual property and information technology law.
Why did you choose IT/IP and what would you tell a young lawyer entering the IT/IP field?
While pursuing my undergraduate degree in Life Sciences at McMaster University, I quickly learned that I wasn’t drawn to the conventional paths of medicine or research. My interest in IP law was sparked during a third-year pathophysiology course, where I was introduced to the world of patent law. The intersection of science and law fascinated me, and that interest only grew stronger as I pursued my Master’s degree. I became interested in IT law while completing my Master’s thesis which focused on U.S. and Canadian direct-to-consumer genetic testing companies and their compliance with the 'Accuracy Principle' in Canada’s federal privacy legislation, PIPEDA. My undergraduate studies, alongside my thesis research, made me realize that I could merge my passion for science with law, particularly in the IT/IP space.
From one young lawyer entering the IT/IP field to another, my advice would be to keep up with the developments in the IT/IP sector. IT/IP law is one of the most exciting (I’m biased) and dynamic fields of law, especially given the rapid advancements in technology. Stay informed, read practice guides and recent cases to expand your legal knowledge, always be open to learning, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
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