Richard Okimaw
is a mechanical engineer, lawyer and a registered Patent and Trade-mark Agent who practices primarily in the area of intellectual property law. Richard acts for a broad range of clients including:
● Oil field systems and service equipment
● Surface and downhole oil field tools
● Construction materials and equipment
We also represent independent inventors, entrepreneurs, and other businesses with software, computer, social media, electronic gaming machines, and sports equipment patents.
Richard has a broad range of experience in intellectual property law that includes filing US, Canadian and international patent and trade-mark applications as well as handling licensing and intellectual property disputes.
Richard completed his mechanical engineering degree at UBC and his law degree at the University of Toronto. Richard has been practicing in the area of Intellectual Property Law since 2003. Prior to studying law, Rick worked as a mechanical engineer in the fields of HVAC, manufacturing, construction and noise suppression of industrial processes.
Richard is a member of the Intellectual Property Institute of Canada, the Canadian Bar Association, and is a past Director of the Okanagan Science and Technology Council. You can contact Richard by phone: 250-448-8553 or email info@illuminateip.com.
Julie Thomson is a Professional Engineer with a bachelor’s degree in Applied Science (Mechanical Engineering) from the University of British Columbia (1994). She has experience in a number of industries, with a focus on maintenance and production engineering, which exposed her to a wide variety of mechanical equipment and processes. She is a member of Engineers and Geoscientists BC.
Julie is also a dedicated volunteer, working extensively at the local, regional and provincial levels of Girl Guides of Canada – Guides du Canada and is the recipient of several awards, including the Beaver Award (2016) for exceptional service at the provincial or national level of the organization.
When there is snow on the mountain, Julie can be found downhill skiing at Big White. She also enjoys running, cycling and geocaching. When not playing outdoors, she enjoys spending time with her family, supporting them in their various activities.
Kelsey Wahler joined Illuminate IP on a full-time basis as an Intellectual Property assistant in 2014 after completing her Legal Administrative Assistant Certificate from the Okanagan College. Kelsey obtained her certificate from the Patent Resources Group, Patent Administration: A Foundation for Success course in 2018. A 4-day course aimed at support staff and paralegals covering US patent law + US patent prosecution essentials as well as the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) practice and filing.
Originally from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Kelsey moved to the Okanagan to pursue her love for the outdoors, softball, hiking, Lake Okanagan and Big White.
Kacie Corfield has been working as a Legal Assistant at Illuminate IP since graduating from the Okanagan College Legal Administrative Assistant Certificate Program in 2016. Her previous experience includes several years of customer service, management, and sales – all of which have prepared her for the day to day tasks of a busy and exciting office environment. Away from the office, Kacie enjoys skiing, softball, and sharing good food and wine with her friends — not necessarily in that order.