EDI Guiding Principles
Community, Commitment, Continuity – The Three Cs at IPIC’s Core
The Intellectual Property Institute of Canada (IPIC) – the national voice of IP professionals in Canada, believes that diversity and inclusion strengthen both our profession and our ability to deliver exceptional education and advocacy. Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) are essential to advancing our community and our work.
IPIC's EDI Guiding Principles reflect our ongoing efforts to foster belonging, remove barriers to participation, and create equitable opportunities for all in the field of IP. We have organized our Guiding Principles around three pillars: Community, Commitment, and Continuity.
COMMUNITY: BELONGING, ACCESSIBILITY, ALLYSHIP
IPIC represents a vast and diverse community of IP professionals in a large, diverse country. We value perspectives from across Canada, reflecting the richness of our profession and driving creativity and innovation.
We celebrate diversity in all its forms – including race, religion, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, abilities, neurotypes, cultural backgrounds, and socioeconomic status.
Our goal is to foster a strong sense of belonging, ensuring members feel welcomed and connected. We are dedicated to removing barriers to participation, promoting accessibility, and encouraging allyship across the profession.
COMMITMENT: RECONCILIATION, INCLUSIVITY, ACCOUNTABILITY
At IPIC, inclusion means more than respect – it means empowerment. We are building a culture where differences are celebrated, and everyone has a voice.
We commit to providing education on Indigenous traditional knowledge and cultural expression, and to fostering dialogue on their relationship to intellectual property.
We ensure fair access to opportunities, including leadership roles, committees, and speaking engagements. Transparency, merit, and accessibility guide all decisions.
CONTINUITY: EDUCATION, CONSULTATION, FLEXIBILITY
EDI is a continuous journey. IPIC provides regular education and resources to support awareness and action.
We will review our policies and programs from time to time, adapting them as our community’s needs evolve. Ongoing consultation with members ensures that our principles remain relevant and effective.
Join us in building a profession that reflects and respects the diversity of ideas, people, and experiences that drive innovation in Canada.
IPIC CEO
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IPIC President
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Past Events
In the high-pressure realm of intellectual property law, prioritizing mental health is crucial for both individual well-being and the success of your practice. As IP professionals face complex cases, tight deadlines, and demanding clients, the impact of mental health on performance is significant. According to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), 1 in 5 Canadians experience a mental illness each year, and by age 40, half of Canadians will have encountered a mental health issue. Recognizing that mental health concerns can affect anyone; IPIC has curated essential resources to help you proactively safeguard your mental health.
IPIC receives the CSAE Association Centre of Excellence Award!
What an honour to receive the esteemed Canadian Society of Association Executives Association Centre of Excellence Award, recognizing our achievements in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion! IPIC thanks our exceptional team of volunteers, partners, staff, and collaborators who advocate for enduring change in the field of Intellectual Property.
IPIC has been recognized as a finalist for Charity Village's "Best Nonprofit Employer for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion" award!
We are honoured to announce that IPIC has been recognized as a finalist for Charity Village's "Best Nonprofit Employer for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion" award!
This recognition underscores IPIC's unwavering commitment to advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (EDI) within our organization & the profession. It is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our entire team.
IPIC thanks Charity Village for this recognition, and we're excited to continue our journey towards fostering a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive world.
IPIC Celebrates The HR.Com Award for Best Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Initiative!
Exciting news! We're thrilled to share that IPIC has been honoured with The HR.Com Award for Best Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Initiative! This recognition echoes our ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive professional community where diversity is embraced and celebrated. We extend heartfelt thanks to our incredible staff and member volunteers whose dedication continues to drive our success.
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Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Focus Group
April 28th 12:00pm - 1:00pm
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In early 2023, IPIC shared an overview of participants’ demographic and inclusion results from our first ever Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion survey. Thanks to members of the Canadian IP Profession who participated in the survey, the survey results have provided a useful baseline evaluation that highlights EDI issues and topics that are of interest to you. IPIC will be hosting a focus group with Global Learning Inc., the third-party equity, diversity, and inclusion firm that conducted the survey on our behalf. The focus group will provide those interested with an opportunity to learn more about the survey results.
To register please CLICK HERE
IPIC’S Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Survey Overview
IPIC is pleased to share an overview of participants’ demographic and inclusion results from our first ever Equity, Diversity and Inclusion survey. Thanks to members of the Canadian IP Profession who participated in the survey, the survey results have provided a useful baseline evaluation that highlights EDI issues and topics that are of interest to you.
IPIC will be hosting a focus group with Global Learning Inc., the third-party equity, diversity, and inclusion firm that conducted the survey on our behalf. The focus group will provide those interested with an opportunity to learn more about the survey results.
Stay tuned to IP Newsbreak for more information on the focus group including the date and registration. As space is limited, registration will be on a first-come, first-served basis.
IPIC’S Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Survey Highlights
As part of IPIC's commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) as a Strategic Goal area in IPIC’s 2021-2023 Strategic Plan as well as our EDI project funded by Women and Gender Equality Canada titled Building Back Through Innovation & Increasing Diversity in Canada’s IP Sector, the first ever Diversity, Demographic, and Inclusion Survey.
The survey results confirmed that IPIC’s commitment to EDI is a priority for our members and the Profession generally. The survey data has also been very helpful in prioritizing the various EDI initiatives that we have planned for 2023. IPIC’s EDI initiatives, including this survey, involve considerations of many issues such as race, indigeneity, socioeconomic status, culture, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ethnicity, ability, spirituality, language, education, and others.
IPIC's Blueprint for Inclusion: An Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion Action Plan
Thank you for your interest in learning more about IPIC’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Action Plan and related initiatives. We are pleased to share this information and we invite you to join us on this exciting journey!
IPIC’s approach to EDI is about achieving meaningful engagement leading to positive and lasting change. Supporting an environment of inclusion where everyone feels welcome and can fully participate benefits all members of the IP profession and, ultimately, innovation in Canada.
Acknowledgment
IPIC acknowledges the financial support of Women and Gender Equality Canada