A Time For Change
In February, 2009 the CIPC launched its report on Intellectual Property Rights in Canada. This report, “A Time for Change: Toward a New Era for Intellectual Property Rights in Canada” calls for substantive and immediate reforms to Canada’s intellectual property rights system.
The report undertakes a detailed review of Canada’s intellectual property rights system and comes to the conclusion that properly enforced and protected intellectual property rights form the cornerstone of the innovative economy and are integral to Canada’s economic prosperity. A “Time for Change” calls upon the Canadian government to take immediate steps to update Canada’s protection for intellectual property rights.
The rampant theft of intellectual property on going throughout Canada affects almost every sector of the Canadian economy and accounts for billions of dollars in lost revenue. Counterfeit products include luxury goods, electronics, pharmaceuticals and even children’s toys. Many of these products pose a direct threat to the health and safety of consumers and their production and distribution has been linked to organized crime. Digital piracy is also increasing within Canada as an unregulated online environment offers an excellent venue for the trafficking of these goods.