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.
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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.
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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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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.

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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.

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Innovation Asset Collective

Clean technology and intellectual property

IP Central