Intellectual property has been recognized as the economic currency of the future and is critical to innovation and prosperity. In the current economic climate, the proper protection of intellectual property rights is crucial for Canadian business and the Canadian economy. The theft of intellectual property rights costs the Canadian economy billions of dollars every year and the influx of counterfeit and pirated goods puts the health and safety of Canadians at risk.
What is Intellectual Property
In the News
AFL-CIO Executive Council unanimously supports anti-piracy measures. Read the story
Australia: An Internet ervice Provider cannot be help responsible for illegal movies dowlload by its customers. Read the article
French Culture Minister, Francois Mitterand, commits to stop illegal file-sharing. Read James Gannon's blog. January 27.
Chris Gray was at Ottawa's A news on Monday December 14, talking about counterfeit goods. Watch the clip
Events
Press Release
CIPC welcomes focus on intellectual property rights in the Throne Speech
Canadian Intellectual Property Council welcomes the EU's ratification of WIPO treaties.
Canadian Chamber Welcomes Government Action to Protect Intellectual Property Rights
Canadian Intellectual Property Council Pleased With Introduction of Copyright Bill
Chris's blog
Intellectual Property Theft Persist in 35 Nations, Imparing US Economic Growth. Read the full story here
Ontario government announces the launch of a new Intellectual Property Development Fund
Minister Aileen Caroll announced a $10 million investment in a one-year pilot program to support screen-based companies. The fund will be administrated by the Ontario Media development Corporation (OMDC). More information can be found here.
OECD counterfeiting report
Barry Sookman, one of Canada's leading practioners in copyright, intellectual property, internet and e-commerce law has written a great posting on his blog regarding the OECD's recent report on counterfeiting and piracy and supporting the CIPC's A Time for Change report.
Canadian and US Chamber letter to Leaders
The Canadian and US Chambers sent a joint letter to President Obama and Prime Minister Harper on Sept. 11/09 outlining important issues in our bilateral relationship. The protection of intellectual property rights in highlighted in this letter.
Legal
The government of Canada has concluded the official consultations on copyright reform. The CIPC applauds this initiative and anxiously awaits the adoption of a copyright bill.
Consumer
Canadian consumers are increasingly at risk from counterfeit goods. Some of these products have been linked to injuries and even death. For the latest advisories and recalls from Health Canada, click here.
Business
Every year Canadian businesses suffer revenue losses due to the theft of their intellectual property. The CIPC has published an IP Manual to help businesses protect their IP.
International
Across the world countries have started to realize the importance of protecting IPR.
The CIPC is particularly pleased by Canada’s continued participation in the ACTA process. The last meeting was hosted in Mexico in January 2010.