Canadian IP voices

Traditional Knowledge and Traditional Cultural Expressions are an important part of Indigenous cultures, identities and innovation. In this episode, we explore how they fit within current intellectual property (IP) frameworks, the challenges Indigenous creators and communities may encounter and the practical tools available to help protect and promote them.

Meika Ellis, a trademark agent and IP lawyer, discusses how Indigenous entrepreneurs and communities can use existing IP tools, including trademarks, copyright and contracts, while broader conversations about protecting Traditional Knowledge and Cultural Expressions continue to evolve.

Explore online:

• Indigenous Traditional Knowledge
• Indigenous peoples and intellectual property
• WIPO Member States Adopt Historic New Treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge

How can startups and SMEs protect the value of their IP when litigation costs can be overwhelming? Joining us for this episode are Michael Huynh, General Counsel at Intellectual Property Ontario, and Shannon Shannon, a commercial insurance broker at Navacord, to explore how IP insurance can help businesses defend and enforce their IP rights. They discuss what is covered by IP insurance, how premiums are calculated and how this emerging tool may help innovators manage risk, attract investment and commercialize their ideas with greater confidence.

Explore online:

• Intellectual Property Ontario (IPON) | IP Tools & Resources for Innovators
• Why intellectual property liability insurance matters before you have a patent  — Intellectual Property Ontario (IPON)
• The Effect of Patent Litigation Insurance: Theory and Evidence from NPEs by Bernhard Ganglmair, Christian Helmers, Brian J. Love :: SSRN

David Bland, author of Testing Business Ideas, and Kevin Dahl, Director of ElevateIP Alberta at Innovate Calgary, explore how to better balance your business strategy with IP considerations. Consider gathering real evidence from customers before spending a fortune building the wrong product. Learn how to identify your riskiest business assumptions using practical frameworks and strategically structure your testing process to avoid accidentally disclosing or compromising your valuable IP. 

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Facing an IP dispute? There are resolution options that don’t require going to court and the associated fees. Gary Lacasse, Executive Director of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Institute of Canada (ADRIC) and Justine Ferland, legal officer, WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Centre, explore how alternative dispute resolution can help resolve conflicts and protect intellectual property. From mediation to arbitration, they discuss when these approaches make sense and how they help preserve time and business relationships.

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The Innovation Asset Collective (IAC) is on a mission to help cleantech companies understand the value of their IP. Erin Pisko, Vice-President of IP Strategy at the IAC, uses real-world examples to show on which components of an IP strategy cleantech companies should focus. The IAC’s core programming provides a comprehensive suite of supports, including funding and skill-building to help increase patenting activity in the cleantech sector.

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How does ElevateIP help deliver IP support to businesses? 

Laura Cooke (ISED), Louis-Félix Binette, and Lola Arnaud (MAIN) answer this important question and more. Hear about how to access funding and how support is structured to promote long-term growth for your company.

Note: This episode was recorded in 2023 and since then ElevateIP has been awarded new funding to continue delivering on their mission to help businesses build their IP strategies.

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Ken Poulin is an independent trademark agent based in Vancouver. He explains why IP protection should start before and not after market success. As a Black entrepreneur himself, he shares his insights on what it looks like to support underrepresented communities, the role of diversity in Canada's innovation landscape and why educating business owners about the value of IP requires patience, empathy and a personal approach.

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Vincent de Grandpré, lawyer and trademark agent at Bennett Jones and member of IPIC’s Committee for Indigenous IP explains the intersection between intellectual property law and the protection of Indigenous knowledge and cultural expressions. 

Explore online: 

• Indigenous peoples and intellectual property (canada.ca)
• Indigenous Bar Association
• Implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People Act (justice.gc.ca)
• Indigenous Traditional Knowledge (ipic.ca)

Juda Strawczynski, CEO and Registrar of the College of Patent Agents and Trademark Agents (CPATA) explains how CPATA regulates the IP agent profession, ensuring that patent agents and trademark agents deliver accessible, ethical and expert IP services in Canada.

Explore online:

• CPATA Public Register
• CPATA Code of Professional Conduct

Alan Gunderson, senior economist and coordinator at the Economic Analysis Directorate at the Competition Bureau explains the Bureau’s mandate and actions when it comes to intellectual property.

Explore online:

• Intellectual Property Enforcement Guidelines