The Firm

Located in Toronto's vibrant Discovery District, Yocto Law® Professional Corporation is a dynamic boutique law practice. The firm is proud to provide friendly and client-tailored legal advice to individuals, startups, and established businesses.

Yocto fosters enduring relationships with all its clients as a trusted advisor. The firm provides efficient, well-rounded, and practical advice with attention to the smallest detail of its clients’ legal needs.

When engaging with Yocto Law®, clients gain a steadfast and attentive partner on their path to success.

The Clients

Yocto Law® advises individuals, startups, and established businesses in the life science and biotech, health science and healthtech, and medical science and medtech sectors.

Yocto is proud to count among its clients world-renowned scientists and organizations whom it assists to protect and commercialize research conducted in Canada’s top research institutions.

Yocto's startup clients, in particular, appreciate the mentorship and guidance they receive in all aspects of starting and growing their business.

The Founder

Dr. Gabriella Chan is a lawyer, scientist, educator, and startup mentor. She often acts as external general counsel for her clients.

Gabriella’s clients benefit from insightful legal counsel, underpinned by her diverse background, technical knowledge, and practical experience.

As the founder of Yocto Law®, she connects with her clients by sharing an understanding of the challenges of forming and running a business. Clients particularly value her background as a scientist because she understands her clients' inventions, technology, and product needs and can provide informed tailored legal advice.

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Business & Corporate

Business formation - selection of business structure, incorporation and preparation of minute books;

Preparation of essential agreements – IP assignments, shareholder agreements, employee and executive stock option plans;

Drafting, review, and negotiation of operational and commercial agreements – confidentiality, service and development, manufacturing, distribution, and leases;

Financing matters - private equity investments, venture capital and angel financing agreements;

Corporate Governance - advice on the composition, responsibilities, evaluation, and best practices guidelines for boards of directors, advisors, and committees.

IP Management

Guidance with protection of intellectual property assets including patents, trade secrets, trademarks and copyright;

Preparing intellectual property assignment documents for founders, consultants, advisors and employees;

Negotiating licensing and assignment agreements with universities and research institutions/hospitals;

Developing and negotiating joint development, research and collaboration, and material transfer agreements.

Privacy & E-Commerce

Preparing corporate privacy policies and educational materials and best practice manuals about privacy;

Preparing website privacy notices compliant with Canadian privacy law, Canada’s Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL) and the General Data Protection Regulation;

Preparing website Terms of Use, Terms of Service, and End User License Agreements;

Other e-commerce matters including advertising and marketing agreements and associated due diligence;

Evaluating cybersecurity and data breach readiness, including PIPEDA Breach notification requirements.

Consulting & Employment

Guidance on employment, compensation, and HR matters;

Drafting, review, and negotiation of employment, consulting, and contractor agreements;

Executive and employee compensation matters including development of stock option and other equity compensation plans;

Preparing employee policies and handbooks, exit interview structure, and checklists.