Written Submission for the Pre-Budget Consultations in Advance of the Upcoming 2025 Federal Budget

The Intellectual Property Institute of Canada (IPIC) urges the federal government to strengthen Canada’s innovation ecosystem by clarifying agent–client privilege, introducing targeted IP incentives, and funding the courts. Key recommendations include: revising statutory language to protect patent/trademark agent communications; creating a First Patent Program to subsidize early filings; supporting SMEs with brand protection funds; allocating innovation subsidies for IP strategy; introducing a Patent Box tax program; and addressing the $35M shortfall for the Courts Administration Service. These measures would lower costs for innovators, protect Canadian businesses’ IP, improve access to justice, and ensure Canada remains competitive globally in fostering innovation and commercialization.