Canadian IP voices

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. Discover online: David J. Bland (davidjbland.com) Kevin Dahl, BComm - Innovate Calgary Business model canvas tool | BDC.ca

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. Discover online: Alternative methods to resolve intellectual property disputes (canada.ca) ADR_Connect_Search (adric.ca) Find an IP Professional (ipic.ca) Alternative Dispute Resolution (wipo.int) Recommended WIPO Contract Clauses and Submission Agreements Alternative Dispute Resolution for IP Disputes: the WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center’s Experience (ipic.ca)

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. Explore online: Innovation Asset Collective Clean technology and intellectual property IP Central

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. Explore online: Intellectual Property Strategy (canada.ca) List of recipients of ElevateIP (canada.ca) Funding and support programs for doing international business (tradecommissioner.gc.ca) NRC IRAP support for intellectual property - National Research Council Canada

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. Explore online: Black entrepreneurs and intellectual property IP Central IP resources and funding for entrepreneurs (canada.ca)

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

David Arsenault, Atlantic Regional Manager for the Canada Revenue Agency's Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) Tax Incentive Program, demystifies the parallel worlds of R&D and IP from an SR&ED tax incentive program perspective. Explore online: SR&ED tax incentives Self-Assessment and Learning Tool SR&ED outreach program Request a free telephone consultation with an SR&ED specialist Income Tax Folio S3-F4-C1, General Discussion of Capital Cost Allowance Consultation Paper: Scientific Research and Experimental Development Consultation Paper: Creating a Patent Box Regime Learn more about SR&ED eligibility guidelines : T4088 SR&ED Guide to Form T661

Grant Lynds, a senior advisor on IP matters from the IP Centre of Expertise, sheds light on the role of this group and how IP considerations are addressed in government funding agreements. Explore online: Canadian Intellectual Property Office Intellectual Property Centre of Expertise College of Patent Agents and Trademark Agents Intellectual Property Institute of Canada

Kiriakoula Hatzikiriakos, Manager-Senior Legal Counsel in the Commercial/International sector of Legal Affairs at the National Bank of Canada, explains the rules and challenges of using IP as a collateral for funding. Explore online: BLOG | koulah Intellectual Property-Backed Financing | BDC.ca

Lawyer and IP expert Sylvain Roy discusses key considerations in IP valuation. Explore online: Intellectual property valuation Valuing Intellectual Property Assets

Seasoned IP litigator, Elizabeth Dipchand , unravels the intricacies and importance of protecting unregistered intellectual assets, managing relationships, documenting agreements and navigating the nuanced landscape where registered and unregistered rights intersect. Explore online: Protect new ideas and creations Prove who owns new ideas and creations

Daniel Lamarre , Executive Vice Chairman of the Board, Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group, explains the critical role IP played for Cirque du Soleil during the pandemic. Explore online: Sample of the brands of the Cirque du Soleil Balancing Acts: Unleashing the Power of Creativity in Your Life and Work, by Daniel Lamarre

André Gallant, one of CIPO's IP advisors, talks about how IP advisors break myths and highlights opportunities and risks around IP and IP protection. Explore online: Contact CIPO IP advisors

Anthony Dearden explains how the new unitary patent and Unified Patent Court in Europe will work and shares some key considerations for anyone applying for patents in Europe. Explore online: Guide to the Unified Patent Court (UPC) | Gowling WLG Unitary Patent – European Patent Office

Dominique Lambert, Patent agent at Bereskin & Parr explains how the provisional patent in the US works and how to apply for patent protection abroad using the PCT. Explore online: Provisional Application for Patent | USPTO (English only)

Louis Carbonneau, patent broker who evaluates hundreds of patents for clients each year shares some tips and tricks on where to spend the money to ensure you file for valuable IP rights. Explore online: Louis Carbonneau’s blog (English only)

Guillaume Lavoie Ste-Marie , copyright, patent and trademark litigator and principal at Smart & Biggar in Montreal, talks about ChatGPT, intellectual property (IP) tips and traps that artificial intelligence (AI) users should be aware of before creating works with AI—and if using AI to answer IP questions is a good idea.