OUR TRADEMARK AGENTS

Tanya is recognized to practice before the Canadian Intellectual Property Office and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and has over 20 years of experience in the field of intellectual property law. She credits her mentor Dr. Clifford Vermette with introducing her to intellectual property law and encouraging her to take her career one step further by becoming a registered trademark agent.  Tanya’s love of law comes from her love to debate; she truly enjoys the challenge of developing arguments on behalf of clients in contentious matters and she especially enjoys celebrating the win with clients when arguments are successful.

Tanya was Chair of the Intellectual Property Institute of Canada’s Trademark Legislation Committee from 2014 to 2019 and served as a committee member since 2011.  During her time on the committee, she was heavily involved in providing input to the Federal Government with respect to changes being made to the Trademarks Act and Regulations.  Tanya has also been an instructor of the IPIC Trademark Agent Exam Preparation Course and an instructor of the Paralegal Intellectual Property course at Vancouver Community College.  She continues to be an active member of the IP community and currently sits on the Intellectual Property Institute of Canada’s Trademark Agent Training Course Committee.

Outside of Coastal, Tanya loves to golf with her husband and teenage son, read the latest Scandinavian thriller, embrace all things interior design, and apply her expansive knowledge of random facts at Trivia night.

Quote: 

“Be curious, not judgmental.” Walt Whitman ℅ Ted Lasso

Qualifications

Bachelor of Arts, Sociology, Wilfrid Laurier University

Paralegal Diploma, Capilano University

Awards

The Patent and Trademark Institute Education Foundation Prize –  highest mark in Canada on the Trademark Agent Qualifying Exam, 2000

Memberships

Intellectual Property Institute of Canada – Fellow Member

International Trademark Association 

Patent and Trademark Association of British Columbia

Jenn joined Coastal as a trademark agent in 2012, and has worked in the field of intellectual property since 2003. She is recognized to practice before both the Canadian Intellectual Property Office and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. What attracted Jenn to trademarks was the variety and complexity of the work as well as the diversity of business types and industries that she gets to engage with. In a constantly evolving field, Jenn takes pride in her ability to problem-solve and create strategies for her clients.

In addition to her role at Coastal, Jenn is an active contributor to the IP community and is serving on the Board of Directors for the Intellectual Property Institute of Canada (IPIC). Jenn previously served as chair of the Trademark Administrators Committee where she helped launch and develop IPIC’s certification program for trademark administrators. She has also been an instructor for IPIC’s Trademark Agent Examination Prep Course and a mentor in IPIC’s mentor program.

Away from Coastal, Jenn enjoys spending time outdoors and taking photographs of her pet pooch, Baxter. 

Quote: 

“There’s never enough time to do all the nothing you want.” Calvin & Hobbes

Qualifications

Bachelor of Arts, Criminology and Psychology, Simon Fraser University

Paralegal Diploma, Capilano University

Memberships

Intellectual Property Institute of Canada

International Trademark Association

Patent and Trademark Association of British Columbia

Karen joined Coastal in 2016 as a trademark agent. She is recognized to practice before both the Canadian Intellectual Property Office and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. With over 20 years of experience in the field of intellectual property, Karen became a trademark agent in 2005. Prior to that, she held various positions in the field of intellectual property, including at Clark Wilson LLP. Karen believes that intellectual property is a client’s biggest asset and she is passionate about helping clients bring their ideas to fruition by protecting their trademark rights. 

Karen is a member of member of the Trademark Administrator Committee of the Intellectual Property Institute of Canada. She has also been a member of various committees of the International Trademark Association in the past.

An avid reader and self-proclaimed news junkie, Karen is an early riser that loves taking advantage of the morning’s quiet to catch up on her favorite online news sites. She also enjoys cycling, and the peace, tranquility, and challenge of a good trail hike with her husband and their two dogs, Annie and Quinn. 

Quote: 

Never lose a chance of saying a kind word – William Makepeace Thackeray

Qualifications

Bachelor of Arts, History, University of British Columbia

Paralegal Certificate, Capilano University

Memberships

Intellectual Property Institute of Canada

International Trademark Association

Patent and Trademark Association of British Columbia

Vancouver Board of Trade

Janine has been managing large national and international trademark portfolios for over 15 years. She has been a registered trademark agent since 2009. Prior to joining Coastal in 2024, Janine was a trademark agent and associate at a national law firm in its Intellectual Property group. She has in-depth experience in all stages of the trademark life cycle including trademark strategic counselling, search analysis to clear a trademark, protection, management, opposition and cancellation proceedings, and she advises on enforcement for domestic and international clientele. Further she has experience with the transfer of ownership, the recordal and discharge of security interests and consent and co-existence matters.  What Janine enjoys most about her trademark practice, is building relationships, helping clients grow their brand portfolios, and seeing how their business plans blossom and continue to grow.

When Janine’s not coaching and supporting clients with their trademark needs, you will find her coaching and supporting her daughter in Highland Dance competitions across the country. As a former Highland dancer herself, she understands the drive, resilience and spirit it takes to achieve one’s goals.

 Janine also enjoys staying active by hiking, cycling and walking her dog, Milly

Quote:

“The most meaningful way to succeed is to help others succeed.”  Adam Grant

Qualifications

Understanding Trademarks Certificate, McGill University

Contentious Matters Certificate, McGill University

Paralegal Certificate, Capilano University

Awards & Recognitions

Recognized nationwide as a leading trademark professional in the World Trademark Review publication from 2020-2023 for prosecution services in the area of Trademarks. 

Memberships

Member of Joint Liaison Committee with the Canadian Trademarks Office and selected Canadian Trademark Professionals

Member, International Trademark Association (INTA)
Committee Member, International Trademark Association (INTA): Trademark Office Practices Committee (2016-2025)

Associate Member, Intellectual Property Institute of Canada (IPIC)
Committee member, Intellectual Property Institute of British Columbia (IPIC): Trademark Agent Committee (2023-2024)

Member, Patent and Trademark Association of British Columbia (PATBC)

Cecilia joined Coastal in 2019 as a trademark assistant. Her love of being organized and efficient comes in handy in a deadline-driven environment.  Before joining Coastal, Cecilia worked in the legal department for a FinTech where she was responsible for licensing management.  When it comes to the field of intellectual property, Cecilia is fascinated by contentious issues and trademark infringement and how parties construct arguments to defend the rights of their trademarks. 

Originally from south-western England, Cecilia is fond of a good cup of tea (or numerous cups during the winter).  Away from the office, Cecilia loves being out in nature; whether it’s hiking in the forest or being by the coast, she enjoys exploring the countless natural areas of British Columbia.

Quote:

Just one small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day – Dalai Lama

Qualifications

MSc Applied Marine Science, Plymouth University

BSc Environmental Science, Lancaster University

Certified Canadian Trademark Administrator

Memberships

Intellectual Property Institute of Canada

Bonnie joined Coastal as a paralegal in 2018. She began her career as a legal administrator for UBC’s in-house counsel where she was exposed to a variety of legal disciplines including endowments, contracts, and real estate, which inspired her to pursue her certification as a paralegal. She settled on intellectual property as her area of expertise due to the fascinating complexities involved with how the rights of creative works and brands are determined. In nearly a decade as a legal professional, Bonnie has developed a strong ability to service an array of clients and stakeholders, prioritize the competing responsibilities of the role, and deliver on critical deadlines.

A natural team player, outside of Coastal, Bonnie enjoys spending time with friends playing board games. She also loves reading the word-craft of her favourite authors in science fiction, fantasy, and graphic novels.

Quote:

“If you dare nothing, then when the day is over, nothing is all you will have gained.” – Neil Gaiman

Qualifications

Bachelor of Arts, Anthropology and Classical & Near Eastern Archaeology, University of British Columbia

                        Legal Administrative Assistant Certificate, Capilano University

                        Paralegal Certificate, Capilano University

Amy joined Coastal in 2024 as a Trademark Paralegal and brings with her over two decades of experience in Intellectual Property prosecution.  Prior to joining Coastal, Amy worked at boutique IP firms as well as national and multi-national law firms, primarily in the areas of patent and design prosecution. In addition to her breadth of experience, Amy has transferred with her many of the concepts from her career in IP to her current role in trademark law.  Amy has served a variety of clients, from independent inventors to large corporations, and understands the unique and complex needs of clients as they journey through the trademark registration process and beyond. With a meticulous attention for detail, Amy’s primary focus is to ensure all rights are covered for Coastal’s clients.

 When Amy’s not in the office, you’ll find her cheering on the sidelines, supporting her three children at soccer games and their other sporting events. She also loves to spend time outdoors near the ocean with her beloved pup; as well as, on Vancouver Island connecting with family. You can also find Amy in the kitchen, cooking up plant-based meals which has been a journey of experimentation into healthy eating.

Quote: 

“You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me.” – C.S. Lewis

Qualifications

Capilano University, Paralegal Diploma

Vanessa joined Coastal in 2023, as a practicum student from Capilano University.  After successfully finishing her practicum she joined Coastal as a full-time paralegal.  Drawn to the variety and complexity of Intellectual Property, Vanessa was excited to apply her knowledge and passion for client service at an agency that is focused on trademark services.

As a former ambassador, she learned the importance of meeting deadlines, understanding the detailed history of a brand, and power of clear communication.

A curious person by nature, Vanessa enjoys research and sharing her finds with the Coastal team and clients. She is also fluent in English, French and Cantonese.

Outside of Coastal Vanessa is a lover of eclectic movies with almost no genre off limits. She is also a sucker for a soup noodle and partakes in Vancouver’s foodie culture as often as possible.

Quote: 

“Always do your best” – Personal Motto

Qualifications

Emily Carr University of Art &Design, Bachelor of Media Arts

Paralegal Diploma, Capilano University

Awards & Recognition

Dean’s List, Capilano University

Memberships

BC Paralegal Association

Kassandra joined Coastal in 2024 as a Paralegal and brings with her a passion for client service. She attended the University of Guelph where she graduated with honours, and achieved her diploma in paralegal studies at Seneca College in Toronto. Kassandra completed her placement at a criminal law firm in Toronto, where she spent much of her time researching case law. Naturally curious and passionate about learning, Kassandra left Canada to explore Europe, and finally resettled in Vancouver.

No stranger to adventure, Kassandra has a desire to reach all seven continents, and climb at least one of the two highest mountains in the world. When not planning her next epic adventure, she enjoys reading, snowboarding, and spending time with friends.

Quote: 

“Always be kind.” – Personal Motto

Qualifications

University of Guelph, Sociology BA

Paralegal Diploma, Seneca College

Mei joined Coastal as an administrative assistant in 2022, and brings with her an international perspective having worked in client-service roles in Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and most recently, Vancouver. Known for her keen organizational skills and personable greetings to Coastal visitors, Mei believes in fostering strong relationships by combining high-quality service delivery with timely execution.

Away from Coastal, you can find Mei practicing her vinyasa, sharing laughs with friends at improv, or reading a compelling thriller.

Quote: 

“Work hard and be kind.” – Personal Motto

Qualifications

Dublin Institute of College, Chemistry (in progress)

Awards & Recognition

Achieved a bronze medal for the Irish President’s Gaisce Award

Prior to joining Coastal in 2015, Diane founded a private practice law firm in Ontario (now retired).  As a result of her experience as a sole practitioner over many years, she is highly knowledgeable in the financial accounting of a legal professional business

 Diane continues to pursue her love of golf and can claim scoring three holes-in-one in her golf resume. She regularly participates in a Ladies Golf League since her move to B.C.  Apart from the calm she enjoys while playing 18 holes of golf, she also spends time being engrossed in a good book. She loves historical novels such as those by Wilbur Smith and James Clavell along with the authentic characterizations and intriguing storytelling of Nordic mysteries, specifically by her favourite author, Henning Mankell.

Quote: 

“Don’t just think about it, do it.”

Qualifications

LLB, Osgoode Hall Law School