The DMZ and Goodmans LLP partner to provide entrepreneurs with legal support

TORONTO, May 18, 2016 — Providing legal consultation to forward-thinking startups is the motivation behind Goodmans LLP’s partnership with the DMZ at Ryerson, the leading university-based incubator for emerging tech startups.

As part of the new partnership, Goodmans LLP, one of Canada’s premier transaction law firms, will be the DMZ’s official ‘legal counsel-in-residence’ providing on site legal guidance and mentorship for the 72 startups in the space.

“We are happy to partner with Goodmans LLP as many entrepreneurs are grappling with the problem in accessing legal consultation and affordable, high-quality legal services,” says Abdullah Snobar, executive director of the DMZ. “This partnership will foster the improvement in legal support for startups and will contribute to improving access to legal services for all entrepreneurs.”

Currently, startups with a lack of legal advice are at a higher risk of failing to comply with regulations and laws including those related to incorporation, branding, patents and intellectual property ownership. This partnership will enable DMZ entrepreneurs to benefit from the legal expertise and experience of Goodmans LLP and give them a strong team member as they move forward in growing their startup. Among their services, they will be able to assist in identifying where pitfalls may lie and offer ways to protect and maintain startups that may be struggling to stay on track.
Goodmans LLP will also host four ‘Investor Nights’ at the DMZ. These intimate pitch sessions and curated networking events connect investors to high growth startups building disruptive technologies and seeking capital.

“Goodmans is thrilled to partner with the DMZ at Ryerson by providing mentorship, connections and the legal know-how that a startup needs to succeed,” said Allan Goodman, partner at Goodmans LLP and co-chair of the firm’s Technology practice. “We are very excited to be joining the dynamic environment at the DMZ to further Canadian innovation by helping these emerging companies get to the next level.”

Goodmans has released a Startup Technology Guide, which provides an overview of the primary legal issues that founders of technology startups should consider.

About Goodmans LLP

Goodmans LLP is internationally recognized as one of Canada’s pre-eminent business law firms with market leading expertise in corporate and transaction finance, M&A, tax, real estate, litigation and other business-related specialities. Goodmans provides a complete range of legal advice and representation to domestic and foreign business clients.