1 FIND YOUR PURPOSE IN THE FOOD & BEVERAGE INDUSTRY Are you a high school student trying to decide on your career path after graduation? FoodGrads is here to help you explore the Food & Beverage industry, and the variety of fulfilling careers available. We are on a mission to attract, guide and develop the next generation of Food and Beverage industry pros. Learn about careers in COMMUNICATIONS/LEGAL and how these professionals are keeping food companies and consumers informed.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Communication Manager .................................................... Food Stylist ......................................................................... Food Policy Analyst ............................................................ Patent Agent ...................................................................... Food Lawyer ....................................................................... Government Affairs Manager ............................................. Public Relations Specialist ................................................... How It All Comes Together ................................................. Our Education Partners ...................................................... 1 5 9 13 17 21 25 29 31
COMMUNICATIONS/LEGAL - COMMUNICATION MANAGER 2 Communication Manager COMMUNICATIONS/LEGAL One of the most sought after skills that employers look for in job seekers is being able to communicate effectively. Though what skills must one master in order to be a good communicator? Communication involves listening, speaking, observing, body language and many other skills. It’s easy to understand how these qualities are exemplified in a person. Though what do these qualities look like in brands and companies? How does a brand communicate externally and internally information that promotes their mission, products and/or services? Well, they look to communication managers whose job it is to communicate and maintain a brands reputation. 1. Communication Managers Communicate Knowledge Communication managers in the food industry execute and monitor communication strategies. They help organizations with the promotion of their brand, services and mission. It involves developing media relations pieces like preparing new releases, developing a social media presence and monitoring internal company communications. Communication managers are also responsible for developing brand strategies for a company. They ensure that any content released to the public matches their “brand” image. This also extends to social media, assisting the marketing department in creating social media posts which are on brand. Additionally, these professionals may be responsible for creating the communications on a company website. A communication manager’s job doesn’t stop there. They monitor internal communications within a company. Internal communications are those that stay within a company such as newsletters and news bulletins. For example, if a company informs staff about a change in their company benefits then the communications manager would check the announcement to ensure that it follows company policies and legal requirements. Overall, a communication manager plays a critical role in shaping company communications. They use their understanding of communication modes, relationships, and communication skills to make sure that organizations communicate clearly. 2. Communication Managers Help with Media Relations Media takes on a lot of forms. It can be digital such as in the form of social media posts or live streams. Or it can take on more traditional routes such as press conferences and print media. To address the later communication managers will develop and execute annual media relation strategies. This involves building relationships with industry and key media reporters. They also assist senior management by preparing talking points to support staff during interviews. For example, if a company executive has to address a crisis to the public. Having strong media relations helps to build strong brand awareness and customer loyalty. 3. Communication Managers Help with Social Media Communication managers will work with the marketing team to update and manage social media strategies. When dealing with teams of multiple professional it can become easy for key messages to be lost. Therefore, consistent and objective brand communication strategies are essential. How involved a communication manager is with social media creation is largely due to the size of the company. In larger companies’ social media creation is usually given to social media manager. Acting as a support the communication manager will vet posts to ensure that content is Communication Manager Managing communication strategies Photo by Micah C/peopleimages.com Photo by Studio Romantic/stock.adobe.com
COMMUNICATIONS/LEGAL - COMMUNICATION MANAGER COMMUNICATIONS/LEGAL - COMMUNICATION MANAGER 3 4 on brand. This also extends to replying to follower direct messages and forum/chatrooms. 4. Communication Managers Have Degrees in Communication Related Fields Communication managers typically have bachelor’s degrees with a focus on communications, advertising, public relations, journalism, marketing, English or business. Degrees such as those listed help students to develop excellent written and verbal skills. Additionally, by taking courses in media and client relations students can learn how to handle the press and connect with clients even during time of high stress. 5. Communications Managers Write Website Content Websites are a unique place on the internet where the narrative can be directed. Companies use them as a way to engage visitors and provide information for why a customer should buy products or services. For food company’s typical information which is described in their websites include: • About the company • Product offerings • Careers • Sustainability commitments • Stories from the company Think about your favourite product or brand. Did you check out their website before you purchased it? If so, then you know how important it is when deciding to make a purchase. As a communications manager it’s their job to develop and maintain a newsroom and media library, create an editorial content and write stories for a company to tell a story. 6. Communication Managers Support Events Food businesses are involved in many events such as presentations, community relations and philanthropy programs. Communication managers provide support for these events by assisting those presenting with talking points. For example, if the CEO has to give a speech to the community about the creation of a new production facility the communications manager would be responsible for writing the speech. Additionally, they assist the marketing department by advertising the event and releasing social content about it. They figure out what the essence/objective of the event and best methods to communicate it. 7. Communication Managers Help with Employee Communications A key component of any communication manager job is ensuring that employees are informed and motivated about the inner workings Conestoga College Conestoga College is an Education Partner of ours, check them out on FoodGrads! Click their logo below! Available Programs: Communications Management, Communications, Public Relations, Advertising and Marketing Communications their of company. They work closely with upper management to develop internal communication strategies. Ways they communicate to staff include creating newsletters and presentations. Overall, internal communication messages should be consistent across all mediums and different departments in an organization. For example, a communication manager may create company newsletters that goes out biweekly to employees. These newsletters are meant to raise awareness of company happenings and answer questions. Communications like these serve as indication that employees are cared for, and that their feedback and engagement is welcome. 8. Communication Managers are Flexible, Team-Oriented and DetailOriented Being a communication manager requires a wide range of skills. However, there are a few which are more essential than others. These skills include: • Flexibility - Communication managers must be flexible in the different ways they communicate. The world moves fast, and plans can become irrelevant quickly. It’s important for these professionals to be flexible in their approach and try different things. • Team-work- Communication managers work with a variety of co-workers within a company. How a person communicates with one person might not be effective for another. Active listening helps a manager to determine if their message is coming across properly. • Detail-oriented – Communication managers are consistently editing communication pieces (ex. reports, briefs) and it’s essential that they are error free. They demonstrate their detail orientated nature by proof-reading everything before they put it out. As well, they develop systems that help to avoid mistakes from going out. Want to learn more about getting a communications role right out of school but don’t know where to start? Then check out episode 61 of the FoodGrads Podcast where podcast host, Veronica Hislop, interviews On this episode we are joined with Communications Coordinator Sandra Ulewicz at the Ontario Produce Marketing Agency. Click the photo to tune in! In this episode you will learn about: - What a communication coordinator does - Misconceptions about the produce industry - Figuring out what to do after you graduate - Networking tips encompass a diverse range of tasks. I engage in strategic communication processes that establish and nurture positive relationships between brands and the public. My role involves creating and scheduling social media content, managing customer relationships, and organizing and executing events. This involves everything from attendee management to developing registration websites and handling communication with participants. Additionally, I am responsible for setting up virtual event platforms. 2. What is the most rewarding part of your job? The most rewarding aspect of my job is witnessing the tangible impact of my efforts. Seeing successful events come to life, observing the positive responses from attendees, and witnessing the growth and engagement of the community are incredibly fulfilling. Knowing that my work contributes to fostering connections, disseminating valuable information, and creating memorable experiences in the food and beverage industry adds a deep sense of satisfaction to what I do. 3. What is one piece of advice you’d give someone who is considering starting their career in communications? For those considering starting a career in communications, my advice would be to embrace adaptability and continuous learning. The communication field is ever evolving, with new platforms, technologies, and trends emerging regularly. Flexibility and a willingness to learn and adapt are essential to staying relevant and effective. Moreover, honing your ability to convey messages clearly and authentically across various channels is key. Communication is not just about transmitting information but also about connecting with audiences on a meaningful level. Sydney Mohr, Digital Communications & Events Coordinator 1. What is the role of a Digital Communications & Events Coordinator at FoodGrads? As a Digital Communications & Events Coordinator, my responsibilities Career Profile
COMMUNICATIONS/LEGAL - FOOD STYLIST 6 Food Stylist COMMUNICATIONS/LEGAL A picture is worth a thousand words. Have you ever seen a photograph of food that looks so good it almost jumps off the page? What about a colourful photo of a birthday cake that looks so pretty you consider it art? Well, getting food to look amazing takes work. Luckily there are professionals out there who know what to do to make images pop. These professionals known as food stylists can communicate powerful messages to viewers. Overall, they are responsible for all the beautiful food images we see on commercials, restaurant menus and social media. 1. Food Stylists Prepare and Present Food Food stylists prepare, plate and present food by arranging food in a way that looks appealing to the camera. Food stylists research clients and dishes to create beautiful photos. Furthermore, they communicate with clients, photographers, prop stylists, advertising, commerce and marketing teams prior to and during shoots. It is essential that they communicate effectively so they understand the visions of the clients. Some food stylists even cook or bake the food presented in a photo! These tasks, however, are general and are not all done by every food stylist. For example, some food stylists are freelancers and perform every task by themselves in the comfort of their homes. Alternatively, some stylists are required to go shopping for equipment and props prior to a shoot. It all depends on the company they work for and the client at hand. 2. Food Stylists Understand Food Although food stylists may not be food scientists, they have a strong understanding of the connection that cooking has with food. For example, they understand how salmon changes from orange to pink when cooked or the cooking process of creating an over easy egg that has a fully white egg white. Food stylists develop a strong food knowledge by reading cookbooks and practice cooking and baking constantly. It is not uncommon for a food stylist to have a background in culinary arts. 3. Food Stylists Do Not Need Degrees Many food stylists do not have a culinary arts degree from a culinary institute or college. This is because food styling is a unique profession that allows the individual to be self-taught. Many resources already exist for food stylists to hone their skills for photography, cooking and creative design. However, a degree in the culinary arts can provide stylists with a strong cooking foundation allowing them to focus on media capture side of the profession. Alternatively, an associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree can be extremely useful for becoming a food stylist. Formal training provides professionals with a solid foundation that can be used for their careers. A food stylist can possess various educational backgrounds. Common education routes for food stylists include art, business, food science and marketing. However, within recent years, more colleges are offering certificates in Food Media. Courses for these programs include culinary arts, creative plate presentation and social media marketing. 4. Food Stylists are Creative Food styling is a form of art, meaning it lends itself well to the creative. Take, for example, a Food Stylist Making food look delicious Photo by Pixel-Shot George Brown College is an Education Partner of ours, check them out on FoodGrads! Click their logo below! Available Programs: Food and Media, Honours of Food Studies, Honours of Commerce (Culinary Management), Culinary Art George Brown College
COMMUNICATIONS/LEGAL - FOOD STYLIST COMMUNICATIONS/LEGAL - FOOD STYLIST 7 8 with Others Being a food stylist requires a range of skills. However, there are a few which are more essential than others. These skills include: • Organization – Food stylists may come to a set not knowing what to expect. To prepare for the unexpected, they prepare and stay organized. One way they stay organized is by bringing an adequate amount of personal items, like knives and tweezers, to photo shoots. • Attention to Detail – Food photography is all in the details. A simple change in the placement of a spoon can make a substantial difference in the design of a plate and the overall feeling of a dish. By paying attention to the details, food stylists ensure that all dishes come out looking attractive. • Ability to Work with Others – Although some food stylists work completely alone, this is typically not the case. Food stylists work with clients, assistants, marketers and a variety of other roles. They take the time to speak and truly understand what the client wants. Furthermore, food stylists know when to take the lead as necessary and when to step back and listen. photo shoot for an ice cream sundae. A food stylist can create a beautiful backdrop using items that are only found around the set. They must be creative in choosing what props will accentuate the food. Finally, food stylists know how to problem solve when the tools they need are not available. Creativity is a skill which develops over time and gets better with experience. 5. Food Stylists Never Perform the Same Day Twice If you are looking for a profession in which every day is unique, then food styling is for you. Food stylists use a core set of skills, like photography, and apply them to new situations daily. These situations range from shopping for props to filming an ad campaign for YouTube. Every shoot for a food stylist is unique. For example, one client may require the stylist to showcase an ice cream sundae on a dessert buffet while another client requests photos of buttered toast. 6. Food Stylists May Perform Special Tasks Food styling is not a rigid profession because each shoot is dependent on the situation and client. Some food stylists develop their own recipes and distribute them through blogs or social media. As a result, some food stylists are skilled at using social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram. Other special tasks a food stylist may be required to do are cooking in a demonstration video and working with sourcing to obtain ingredients. The key to performing these special tasks is by communicating with clients and understanding exactly what is being expected of them. Some times the client may not even come to the set of a photo shoot. The stylist may have to communicate via Zoom or email in order to complete this. It can be a costly mistake if a photoshoot has to be redone because details were not communicated properly. 7. Food Stylists Have an Odd Work Schedule Food styling in the industry does not lend itself well to an exact schedule. Many food stylists are required to work on weekends and evenings, depending on client needs. For example, a client may be rushing to complete an ad campaign which requires the food stylist to change their plans at the last minute. Therefore, food styling is not a 9-5 job. 8. Food Stylists are Organized, Have Attention for Details and Can Work Day at Work: Food Stylist https://www.youtube.com/embed/ r58XYuPwpyM?feature=oembed What does a day in the life of a Food Stylist look like? Check out this video to find out. How do I find a Food stylist position? “I have already tried to connect with existing food stylists to assist them but most of them have a tight budget to hire assistants. This is such a rare position to find on job platforms” Find out the answers on the FoodGrads blog! Want to learn more about what it is like being a food stylist? Then check out the My Food Job Rocks podcast and their interview with Payal Gupta! Payal shares fun tips and tricks on how to style food, how to work with clients and working hard to follow your passion. Click on the photo to access the podcast! Have you ever wondered what tools are in a food stylist’s toolkit? Here are some of the tools that are considered essential by food stylists. 1. Heat gun - This tool is used to heat foods in certain spots. 2. Brushes - These are used to brush away crumbs on a plate or lightly apply oil to food. 3. Museum Putty- A strong type of putty that is used to keep foods and tools in place. Day at Work: Ontario Jobs | Career Advice | Mentorship Series - Communications & Food Writer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-rw2L02KNo Are you wondering how to start a career in communications in the food and beverage industry? In this video, you’ll get: - Career advice on how to find the best, most fulfilling career path into the food and beverage industry - An in depth view of how a communications job looks in the food and beverage industry - Tips and tricks on how to land your dream career in communications - A deep dive into the benefits of a lifetime career in the food and beverage jobs sector Photo by Thomas/stock.adobe.com Photo by Halim Bin Hakim/stock.adobe.com 4. Paper Towels- Essential for keeping plates and bowls spotless and absorbing any excess oil.
COMMUNICATIONS/LEGAL - FOOD POLICY ANALYST 10 Food Policy Analyst COMMUNICATIONS/LEGAL Canadians across the country are affected by food daily. On the base level it provides energy and nutrition to all those who consume it. Though it’s more than just that. It brings communities together and provides jobs to the many employed in the sector. Food policies are created to help build a better food system for all. They can be changed on the local, national and international levels making them relevant to all. Furthermore, they direct the public, private and non-profits sectors resulting in noticeable changes for the everyday individual. The professionals who help to shape these policies are known as policy analysts. . 1. Food Policy Analysts Examine Current Policies and Develop New Ones A food policy analyst studies how current and proposed laws, government policies and regulations affect individuals, organizations and the community. They perform detailed research to determine the effectiveness of a policy and suggest improvements to those that already exist. A food policy analysts’ recommendations are based on quantitative data from a variety of sources such as studies, surveys and reports. To make effective recommendations they must stay on top of emerging trends, public policy trends, activities and changes. They keep in the know with relevant associations and the community. It is key that they attend community events and adjust their recommendation based on feedback. Additionally, these professionals may prepare communication materials such as presentations and reports. Overall, food Policy Analysts try to influence political issues and raise public awareness surrounding food systems. 2. Food Policy Analysts are Expert Researchers Every policy recommendation begins with in-depth research. Policy analysts are required to collect and evaluate data to make informed decisions about policies. They must be able to cut through the noise and determine what information is most useful when they create policies. Places that food policy analysts can collect information from includes: • Research studies • Analyzing legislation and regulations • Surveys • Focus groups • Budget documents Food policy analysts use a range of research tools and methodologies. These tools can also shine a light on patterns that might not be noticed at first glance. In a hypothetical situation, a food policy analyst might conduct research and determine that houses within a certain climate and geographical region are at higher risk of being food desserts. Therefore, they might recommend a policy which limits factors leading to the rise of food deserts. Overall policy analysts need to stay abreast of relevant current events, public opinions, and political developments. Food Policy Analyst Shaping policies through in-depth research • Supporting local communities • Reducing food waste • Supporting locally grown agriculture There are different types of policy analysts as they can specialize in areas such as education, agriculture, environment, labour, energy and regional development. Specifically, food policy analysts focus on policies surrounding our food system. Some of their focuses include but are not limited to: • Access to healthy food Photo by Anna Shvets/pexels.com Photo by NINENII/stock.adobe.com
COMMUNICATIONS/LEGAL - FOOD POLICY ANALYST COMMUNICATIONS/LEGAL - FOOD POLICY ANALYST 11 12 3. Food Policy Analysts Have Master’s Degrees in Public Policy Most employers require food policy analysts to have a minimum of a master’s degree in the fields of public policy, economics, political science, education, agribusiness or a degree related to field they are working in. Typically, their undergraduate degrees are related to the industry they are interested in joining. This position is typically not one that a student enters into as soon they graduate. Having work experience within their field of interest provides them with a more holistic view of the field which aids them in creating better quality recommendations. 4. Food Policy Analysts Critically Assess Issues and Make Recommendations Many of issues that policy analysts deal with are not black and white. Two individuals could look at the same problem and have two very different ways to approach it. Policies can affect people differently so it’s up to the analyst to find a medium that benefits those who need it the most. Food policy analysts assess current policies and recommend ways they can be improved. These recommendations must be both costeffective and feasible within a period. Through their daily work food policy analysts improve their critical thinking skills. They use key performance indicators to monitor how well a policy is working such as tracking the number of households still relying on food banks. 5. Food Policy Analysts Try to Influence Political Issues and Raise Public Awareness Food policy analysts must indulge in persuasive communication styles because to get a policy passed some one needs to be convinced. These professionals know how to navigate the scene going through the right channels and getting the right people to listen to their recommendations. They know how to change their communication styles based on who they are talking to. For some parties they might want to see convincing numbers while others would want to hear a convincing story. No matter what the communication style clear and concise messaging needs to be articulated. Communication goes both ways so the analyst must also be open to feedback, criticisms and questions in productive ways. 6. Food Policy Analysts collaborate Policies are not created alone by the policy analyst. Instead, they require collaboration between colleagues, elected officials, specialists and the individuals the policies affect. When collaborating their overall goal is to build relationships and trust. To create opportunities to collaborate policy analysts will organize public events, engage in public speaking and deliver presentations. During these times they can have conversations that allow them focus in on the needs and goals of those the policies affect. 7. Food Policy Analysts prepare communication materials The overall duty of a food policy analyst is to influence public policy. These professionals create a range of communication materials include reports, internal briefings, presentations, reports, documents and position papers. All these materials require different ways to present the information and it is up to the policy maker to decide what information to include. It is essential that they think about their audience and who they will be communicating to. Questions they need to consider are: • What is the technical level of the receiver? • What is the key message of my communication? • Is my message backed by enough information? • How much time do I have to complete the message? No matter the type of communication food policy analysts need to create clear concise messaging! 8. Food Policy Analysts are DetailOriented, Write Well and Manage Projects Effectively Being a Food Policy Analyst requires a wide range of skills. However, there are a few which are more essential than others. Important account manager skills include: • Detail-Oriented – Food policy analysts are consistently creating communication pieces (ex. reports, briefs) and it’s essential that they are error free. They demonstrate their detail orientated nature by proof-reading everything before they put it out. As well, they develop systems to manage all their data they collect for policy recommendations. • Written Communication – Food policy analyst have outstanding writing abilities. They write on a daily basis so it only makes sense that they have strong written abilities. As a result, they can write clearly and concisely for diverse audiences which includes translating complex language from technical materials into everyday language. • Project Management - Food policy analysts juggle multiple projects at once and therefore it is essential they can effectively manage projects. Projects are managed by defining the over-all scope and creating a series of smaller tasks. Additionally, they monitor and control the project performance. Want to learn more about how policies shape communities? Then check out episode 20 of the FoodGrads podcast where we interviewed Danielle Collins, Economic Development Policy Analyst at the Ontario Federation of Agriculture. Click the photo to tune in! In this episode you will learn about the following: - What Danielle does as an Environmental Policy Analyst - How she made the transition between Neuroscience and the Agricultural Industry - What a policy is and how it begins - How to measure if a policy is working and making an impact Niagara College is an Education Partner of ours, check them out on FoodGrads! Click their logo below! Available Programs: Social Service Worker, Culinary Innovation and Food Technology, Business Administration Niagara College Canada Have you been told you need to work on your ‘Soft Skills’? Do you nod in agreement and then wonder what the heck that term ACTUALLY means? What are employers really looking for? Learn what are what are soft and hard skills and what employers are looking for in your resume. Click the photo to read all about it! Hi! I’m Quinton, the FoodGrads Bot! For any questions please come visit me at FoodGrads.com! Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko/pexels.com Photo by Prostock-studio/stock.adobe.com
COMMUNICATIONS/LEGAL - PATENT AGENT 14 Patent Agent COMMUNICATIONS/LEGAL Helping clients obtain patents for food-related inventions. Let’s say you came up with a novel way to bake cookies. For example, finding a way to bake cookies in one minute without them being underbaked or unsafe to consume. Although this might be science fiction, imagine for a minute that it was possible. You were able to design the equipment and it proved to be successful. Wouldn’t you be worried that someone would steal your idea? One way you could avoid this happening is by filing a patent. A patent according to the World Intellectual Property Organization is an exclusive right granted for an invention, which is a product or a process that provides, in general, a new way of doing something, or offers a new technical solution to a problem. If you’re not in the legal space, the patent process could be lengthy or confusing. Many small businesses hire outside consultants to assist them in the process. However, larger companies that file for multiple patents per year may hire a full-time patent agent to help them with the patent process. Food patent agents help organizations protect their intellectual property and encourage innovation in the industry. 1. Food Patent Agents File Patents A food patent agent handles intellectual property affairs for a company relating to patents. All companies have some sort of intangible assets which includes trademarks, copyrights, industrial designs and patents. Typically, food manufactures will apply for food patents, which cover products and food-related processes and compositions. For example, a patent agent may be hired by a plant-based meat company to submit a patent for a unique plant-based tuna. Filing a patent is a multi-step process in which the agent goes through the steps of conducting research, submitting applications, providing guidance and processing patent fees. Patent agents have an extensive understanding of the law and patent system. Food patent agents help companies through the patent process, which includes conducting research, completing applications, providing guidance and assessing patent applications. When submitting applications, they use detailed technical, engineering, and scientific descriptions of inventions. As well they ensure that precise language and proper formats are being used. Their expertise comes in handy when even the differences between i.e., and e.g., are important for an application! Additionally, patent agents are responsible for advising clients on their rights. Patents only cover a certain set of circumstances, so patent owners need to know what they entail. Furthermore, knowing their rights allows them to assess if there is patent infringement by another company. If this is the case, they have the opportunity to sue. However, if a patent agent is to represent the organization in court, they must be a patent attorney. In Canada a patent attorney (who are also patent agents) are licensed lawyers while patent agents only have to pass the Patent Bar Exam. As well, they will advise and represent the organization on legal issues concerning patent matters. Finally, a patent agent will aid in the development of new technologies and products. As part of their research agents will dive deep into the patent databases to determine if there are gaps in knowledge. Through this process they may determine opportunities for potential research routes. 2. Food Patent Agents Draft Patents You can’t patent a recipe, but you can patent an edible product (e.g., a new and clever food combination) or a food-related process (e.g., manufacturing equipment or cooking method). Patents are government-granted monopolies that provide the patent owner with exclusive Patent Agent Helping clients obtain patents for foodrelated inventions Photo by Antoni Shkraba/pexels.com Photo by kasto/stock.adobe.com
COMMUNICATIONS/LEGAL - PATENT AGENT COMMUNICATIONS/LEGAL - PATENT AGENT 15 16 rights to a process. It’s typically 20 years from the original filing date. Patent agents help companies with the strenuous process of filing for patents. The language used in patent applications and claims is carefully crafted. For example, the difference between “i.e.” and “e.g.” comes up in parenthetical differences. There is a difference, so a single word can change the entire meaning of a patent! Patent agents help clients figure out the exact extent of what their patents covers. 3. Food Patent Agents Have Specialized Degrees It’s a requirement that patent agents have a degree related to the field they will be practicing in. For example, a chemistry patent agent must have an undergraduate degree related to the field of chemistry. In the case of food patent agents, they typically have undergraduate degrees in chemistry, food science, chemical engineering, agricultural science, materials science, biochemistry or a related field. Many also have advanced-level degrees, such as a master’s or doctoral degree. The courses taught during these programs help agents to better understand scientific inventions, as the courses teach the fundamentals of science. Through this understanding, a patent agent is able to identify if an invention is novel enough to patent. It should be noted that a law degree is required to be a patent attorney but not a patent agent. After their technical degree a patent agent must pass the Patent Bar Exam. For more information on how to become a patent agent in Canada please refer to the College of Patent Agents and Trademark Agents. 4. Food Patent Agents Generally Work for Larger Companies Patent agents typically work for larger companies as they have enough innovative research being performed to warrant hiring a patent agent full time. For example, larger agricultural companies that work on bioengineering or crop science might hire a fulltime food patent agent to assist them in filing patents on new modified crops. Due to limitation in funds it’s more likely that a smaller company will hire a patent agent for consulting. These agents are usually part of a law firm or company that assists in an array of legal offerings. 5. Food Patent Agents Monitor the Competition The food and beverage industry across the world is competitive and rapidly changing. That’s why food patent agents help companies to monitor and keep an eye on their competition. First, they assess their own company’s assets to see if there is an opportunity to patent something. They will investigate a company’s innovations and patent assets, as patent details must be publicly disclosed. The agent might notice that a competitor has developed a unique piece of processing equipment used to bake cookies. Without copying their idea directly, the patent agent could advise R&D on potential new opportunities. Alternatively, when a patent is filed it must be publicly disclosed to the patent office. This allows everyone to look into the details including competitors. Therefore, companies need to be strategic in what they patent. Patent agents help them to strategize what should and shouldn’t be patented. 6. Food Patent Agents Educate and Train Employees on IP Law What is the difference between a trademark and a patent? For many the answer is unclear. That’s why it is up to patent agents to come in and assist in training employees on Intellectual Property Law. Food patent agents help to create organizational awareness on how to handle, secure and protect IP within a company. For example, they might help create guidelines that require employees to enter a clause where they cannot speak about a certain product outside of work. If they do, the company has the potential to sue. This is why you might be required to sign non-disclosure clauses when you are hired for a new position. Overall, they assist employees in knowing the legal scope of the patent when it is granted. As well, keep them up to date with legal developments in the intellectual property field and if those affect the patent owner. 7. Food Patent Agents Have an Understanding of Technological and Scientific Principles As mentioned before patent agents need to have an academic background in the patents they are representing. Patents cover new technologies and scientific discoveries. Because the knowledge is specialized and niche the food patent agent has to have a thorough understanding of scientific knowledge. Therefore, a patent agent continuously learns throughout their career. They keep up with new patents coming out and the newest research being released in the field. A good way for them to assess their understanding of these principles is by assessing how well they can express highly technical terms in simple language. 8. Food Patent Agents Pay Attention to Details, See the Big Picture and are Diligent Being a patent agent requires a wide range of skills. However, there are a few that are more essential than others. Important patent agent skills include: • Attention to Detail - Details matter, especially when it comes to being a patent agent. When filing a patent one needs to pay attention to using the correct word, phrase or definition. It has to be exhaustive, unambiguous and indisputable. If you don’t like spending time focusing on the details than this career might not be for you. • To See the Big Picture – In addition to looking at details, a patent agent also needs to be able to step back and see the bigger picture. Are there other things that could be done as an alternative to filing a patent? How does the company step aside from a legal problem? These are questions that patent agents ask when performing their work. • Diligence – When it comes to patents and legal proceedings, they require accurate monitoring of legal deadlines. They have to be effective at following deadlines and ensuring that they don’t miss them. There are many strict deadlines coming from both the company and the place that they work at. The University of Guelph is an Education Partner of ours, check them out on FoodGrads! Click their logo below! Available Programs: Chemistry, Food Science, Agricultural Science, Engineering University of Guelph An idea doesn’t need to make sense for a patent to be issued. See for yourself some of the craziest food patents dating back to 1935! 1. Stove Attachment for Automobiles This patent was filed so you could attach a stove and fuel to the running board of a vehicle. Sounds like a fun time... not! 2. Sandwich filling device Have you ever wished you could fill up a hot dog with your favorite filling? All you need is a bulky metal contraption to do so! Maybe we should stick to adding the topping on well the top... 3. Cola flavour bread spread If you love cola, then we have a patent for you! This invention was for a bread spread that contained cola flavouring. It could become the next rival to hazelnut spread!
COMMUNICATIONS/LEGAL - PATENT AGENT 18 Food Lawyer COMMUNICATIONS/LEGAL COMMUNICATIONS/LEGAL - FOOD LAWYER Larger companies acquire smaller companies all the time. The reasons range in multitude but the most common include: • Market Expansion: Companies looking to expand their market share • Access to New Technology: Accessing innovative products or technologies of the small company • Cost Savings: Rather than competing, acquiring a company can lead to reduced costs If you have ever worked on a group project, then you know that the merging of ideas can get messy. Things get even messier when money, ideas, and resources are involved. That’s why companies hire corporate food lawyers to help them with issues such as these and more. Also known as “food lawyers” or “corporate counsel,” these professionals help protect food companies and ensure that they follow the law. 1. Food Lawyers Work-in House with Organizations and Businesses A food lawyer is a professional who helps food companies be compliant with legal matters. They work for food producers, manufacturers, and distributors to help them navigate the complex laws and regulations surrounding the food industry. If they are hired directly by a company, they are known as corporate counsel. Issues that they advise companies on include compliance with food safety regulations, business acquisitions, and human resources. Food lawyers also provide legal representation to companies in the event of disputes related to food regulations or lawsuits. For example, if there was a dispute regarding copyright infringement by another food brand. Additionally, food lawyers are involved in the creation of new food laws and regulations, working with government agencies and other stakeholders to help shape the future of the food industry. Overall, they stay current with the latest foodrelated laws and regulations, and help companies stay compliant by providing updates and advice. As well, they must be able to effectively communicate complex legal concepts to clients and other stakeholders in a clear and concise manner. 2. Food Lawyers Advise Management Laws and regulations are always changing, and if you didn’t go to law school you might be ignorant of some of them. Senior management of companies rely on food lawyers to advise on legal issues that may arise during business operations. They provide legal advice to senior management on issues such as business transactions, compliance with laws and regulations, and potential legal risks. For example, a company might be looking to expand their business by opening a new manufacturing facility. A food lawyer can advise the company about what laws they must follow if they want to pursue this venture. Additionally, they help keep senior management informed about new legal developments and trends that may impact the company. 3. Food Lawyers Negotiate Another way that a food lawyer helps food companies is by assisting them in negotiations. For example, a cookie company may be looking to enter into a new agreement with a supplier of raisins for their new line of oatmeal raisin cookies. The two companies would co-create an agreement that entails terms such as pricing, quality, and delivery terms. Food Lawyes are responsible for creating this document and reviewing it to ensure that it minimizes company risk. Furthermore, when the companies come together the food lawyer sits in on the meeting and monitors the agreement’s execution, ensuring that negotiations go smoothly. Corporate counsel will assist in negotiations on behalf of the company. The key to having a good negotiation Photo by Anna Shvets/pexels.com Food Lawyer Providing legal advice for corporate matters Photo by Mikhail Nilov/pexels.com
COMMUNICATIONS/LEGAL - FOOD LAWYER COMMUNICATIONS/LEGAL - FOOD LAWYER 19 20 is being thoroughly prepared for the meeting, setting clear goals, and trying to build a rapport that benefits both parties. If the agreement is not made clear, then this could mean big losses for the company. 4. Food Lawyers are Aces at Reading and Preparing Company Documents Legal documents are long and detailed. To the untrained eye, they can feel as though they are just long for the sake of it. Well, there is a good reason why they are long! It is to protect the company and its employees. Corporate lawyers are effective at reading and preparing documents. Using their expert communication skills, they can assist with a variety of issues. They review and edit documentation related to company policies such as employee handbooks and codes of conduct to ensure they are legally compliant and consistent with best practices. Alternatively, they may assist in the preparation of intellectual property documents, such as patents, trademarks, and copyrights, to protect the company’s intellectual property rights. 5. Food Lawyers Have Law Degrees Becoming a food lawyer for a food company will depend on the country that you live in. There is no specialized degree to become a food lawyer; however, there are some to become a corporate lawyer. In Canada, you need at least 90 hours of an undergraduate degree to apply to law school in Canada. Many lawyers choose to get degrees in political science, legal studies, sociology, english, and communication as they help to develop writing, communication, and critical thinking skills. However, any major can lead to a law degree. For those looking to practice food law, it may even be beneficial to have a degree in food science, food engineering, or food business management as this would provide the lawyer with a unique understanding of the food industry. After completing their undergraduate degree students are required to take the Law School Admission Test. To become a lawyer in Canada you need to attend a Canadian law school where they can offer specializations such as conflict resolution, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Additionally, food lawyers are expected to complete an articling placement (an apprenticeship) where they will be working. This requires passing a bar exam and meeting other requirements set by the province. Continuing legal education is also required to maintain a license to practice. 6. Food Lawyers Assist with Intellectual Property At the end of the day, food businesses are businesses. They have trade secrets such as recipes or cooking processes, that they would like to keep quiet from the world. Alternatively, they may have a secret that they want to keep quiet. Did you know that you can’t patent a recipe? Patents are only issued for novel inventions or processes that aren’t obvious. That’s why companies like Coca-Cola can’t patent their recipes. Although they might not want to do that either, as patents are publicly published. Food Lawyer assets with intangible (nonphysical) assets such as patents, or trademarks need to be protected by companies to help them maintain their competitive advantage. They will go through their company to discover potential technologies that the company could figure out such as risks that arise during business transactions. For example, a cookie company may have created a plant-based egg that they can use in their recipe that has all the same functionality as the original. The company may want to protect this innovation from other organizations. 7. Food Lawyers Assist Human Resources with Company Policies If you have ever taken a job at a fast-food chain, you will notice that there are a lot of documents that you will have to sign. It feels like there are pages upon pages of information. It’s likely that behind the scenes there is a corporate lawyer that is behind the scenes creating these documents. Corporate lawyers can assist human resource departments by providing them with guidance on compliance with labour and employment laws. For example, they can provide advice on wage and hour laws to ensure that the organization is in compliance. Additionally, they may assist human resources with employee relations issues such as how to handle sensitive employee relations such as discrimination, complaints, harassment claims, and disciplinary actions. Reviewing and updating company policies: Food Lawyers can review and update company policies and procedures, such as those related to benefits, leaves of absence, and termination, to ensure that they are legally compliant and consistent with best practices. Furthermore, they can help with respect to content, adoption, and implementation of certain policies and procedures, benefits, OSHA, labor, contracts, and litigation. They may also have a role in developing a company’s policies on industry-specific issues. 8. Food Lawyers are Analytical, Communicative, and Strategic Being a corporate food lawyer requires a wide range of skills. However, there are a few that are more essential than others. These skills include: • Analytical Skills: Corporate food lawyers must be able to analyze complex legal issues and identify potential risks and opportunities. They need to be able to identify. • Communication Skills: Corporate food lawyers need to be able to analyze and break down complex legal issues for those who might not be familiar with the conversations. They need to be able to explain legal concepts and issues to non-lawyers in a clear and concise manner. • Strategic Thinking: Corporate food lawyers must be able to think strategically and anticipate potential legal issues that could impact the organization’s long-term goals and objectives. Durham college is an education partner of ours, check them out on FoodGrads! Click their logo below! Durham College Available Programs: Paralegal – Honours Bachelor, Law Clerk and Paralegal (graduate certificate) Want to dive deeper in the topic of intellectual property in the food technology industry? Then check out, “Intellectual Property in the Food Technology Industry: Protecting Your Innovation” by Ryan W. Donnell, John J. O’Malley, Randolph J. Huis In this book you could learn about: - The differences between patents, trade secrets, trademarks and copyrights - Intellectual Property Issues in Labeling and Marketing - How to enforce intellectual property rights - How to set up a patent Click the photo to read all about it! Looking to listen in on the conversations behind food laws? Check out Repast, a food law and policy podcast from the Resnick Center for Food Law and Policy at UCLA Law. Each month they interview a thought leader in the field of food law and policy to discuss past achievements, current developments, and future challenges. You can check out the podcast on any platform you get your favourite podcasts or simply click on the image! Photo by Food Lawyer 5/pexels.com Hi! I’m Quinton, the FoodGrads Bot! For any questions please come visit me at FoodGrads.com!
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTQyMDk=