
Our Team


Role
Registered Patent Agent

Jurisdictions
Canada & USPTO
Graham McKinnon
Registered Patent Agent
Graham founded Carbon in 2010 after more than seven years at a leading Canadian IP firm and three years as in-house patent counsel in the pharmaceutical sector, split between a drug development company and a large generic manufacturer. His practice centres on drafting and prosecuting patents in chemistry, therapeutics, drug delivery, genomics, protein chemistry, and medical devices.
Graham works with academic institutions, multinational companies, growing businesses, and independent innovators. He has testified before the Federal Court of Canada as an expert witness in patent matters.
Qualifications
Oxford University M.Sc. (Biochemistry with Honours) ; Registered Patent Agent in Canada and before the USPTO ; IPIC Associate Member ; CPATA Licensee


Role
Registered Patent Agent & Lawyer

Jurisdictions
Canada & USPTO
Graeme Charlton
Registered Patent Agent & Lawyer
Graeme brings more than two decades of patent experience earned at Canada’s two largest IP practice groups before joining Carbon in 2020. His practice focuses on applied physics, electrical, computer-related, and mechanical technologies, including medical devices. His physics background has enabled him to tackle a wide range of complex subject matter, from machine learning and autonomous vehicles to semiconductor manufacturing and medical radioisotope production.
Graeme is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Victoria Faculty of Law, where he has taught patent law since 2006, and is a frequent speaker and author on Canadian patent law topics. He is recognized by Best Lawyers, Lexpert, IAM Patent 1000, and Who’s Who Legal.
Qualifications
UBC B.A.Sc. (Engineering Physics, Electrical Option, Gold Medal — top graduate from UBC Engineering, 2007) ; UBC J.D. ; Registered Patent Agent in Canada and before the USPTO ; IPIC Associate Member ; CPATA Licensee


Role
Registered Patent Agent & Lawyer

Jurisdictions
Canada & USPTO
Andris Macins
Registered Patent Agent & Lawyer
Andris’s practice is concentrated almost entirely on life sciences and pharmaceutical patent drafting, prosecution, and portfolio management. He also provides patentability, infringement, and validity opinions, particularly for universities and startup companies. Prior to joining Carbon, Andris gained twelve years of experience at a national IP boutique firm.
Andris has extensive experience prosecuting Canadian applications on behalf of foreign clients and brings deep subject-matter knowledge across biotechnology, pharmaceutical sciences, and related fields.
Qualifications
UBC B.Sc. (Cell & Developmental Biology) ; UBC M.Sc. (Molecular/Cell Biology) ; UBC LL.B. ; Barrister and Solicitor, BC Bar ; Registered Patent Agent in Canada and before the USPTO ; IPIC Associate Member ; CPATA Licensee


Role
Patent Agent

Jurisdictions
Canada
Jacara Fletcher
Patent Agent
Jacara joined Carbon Patent Group in 2019, bringing a background in administration and project management to their initial role supporting firm operations. With a foundation in industrial design, Jacara enjoys working with patents and has transitioned their practice to be more patent-focused. Jacara approaches patent drafting and prosecution with a practical and mechanical mindset. Their work includes portfolio management with a particular focus on managing costs, patent drafting and prosecution primarily in the mechanical arts as well as preparation of sequence listings.
Jacara has completed several Intellectual Property Institute of Canada’s courses and is enthusiastically interested in patent practice education. Jacara recently passed the College of Patent and Trademark Agents patent agent qualifying examinations, becoming a licensed patent agent in 2026. Jacara maintains a strong interest in emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, and is particularly drawn to streamlining workflows and improving operational efficiency within the IP space.
Qualifications
University of Northern British Columbia B.A. (Political Science) ; Registered Patent Agent in Canada ; IPIC Agent in Training (pending update) Member
Role
Patent Agent & Lawyer
Jurisdictions
Canada and USPTO
Stephen J. Ferance
Patent Agent & Lawyer
Steve brings more than two decades of patent experience earned at Canada’s two largest IP practice groups before joining Carbon in 2020. His practice focuses on applied physics, electrical, computer-related, and mechanical technologies, including medical devices. His physics background has enabled him to tackle a wide range of complex subject matter, from machine learning and autonomous vehicles to semiconductor manufacturing and medical radioisotope production.
Steve is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Victoria Faculty of Law, where he has taught patent law since 2006, and is a frequent speaker and author on Canadian patent law topics. He is recognized by Best Lawyers, Lexpert, IAM Patent 1000, and Who’s Who Legal.
Qualifications
Qualifications: University of Toronto B.Sc. (Physics & Astronomy) ; University of Victoria LL.B. ; Barrister and Solicitor, BC Bar ; Registered Patent and Trademark Agent in Canada and before the USPTO ; IPIC Fellow ; CPATA Licensee


Role
Accounting Clerk

Jurisdictions
Canada
Rita Thew
Accounting Clerk
Rita supports our clients and patent professionals ensuring that accounts are maintained and correctly handled to meet the various needs of our clients and their funding obligations.


Role
Administrative Manager
Nicole Sudom
Administrative Manager
Nicole draws on her deep experience to manage our administrative team. In addition to supporting our patent professionals across the country, with docketing, and preparation of draft documents, Nicole keeps her skills sharp by regularly attending specialized courses on IP administration.

Role
Administrative Assistant
Kathy Clark
Administrative Assistant
Kathy brings a wealth of experience to our administrative team. Kathy supports our patent professionals across the country, with a focus on docketing, and preparation of draft documents.
Carbon Patent GroupA tier-1 Canadian patent prosecution boutique. Serious patent work. Senior people. Straightforward advice.
Reach us
302-107 Holland St. E. P.O. Box 173, Bradford, Ontario L3Z 2A8, Canada
© 2026 Carbon Patent Group. All rights reserved.
Recognized — 2025 Best Law Firms in Canada · Metropolitan Tier 1, IP Law (Vancouver)