IP practitioners and their clients have traditionally focused on the asset itself: patentability and claim scope, trade-mark distinctiveness, copyright protection, trade secret controls and ownership. That focus remains essential. But a growing share of the innovations they create, protect, commercialize, value and enforce are built on data. Machine learning models trained on personal information, diagnostic tools generating inferences about individuals and platforms combining user behaviour with proprietary algorithms are now common across development, transactions, licensing and disputes. In her latest article, IPIC's Board Secretary Jordana Sanft explores what Canada's changing data rules could mean for innovation, and why IP practitioners should be paying attention.

Marked annually on March 8th International Women's Day (IWD) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. Participation is witnessed worldwide as groups come together to celebrate women's achievements and rally for women's equality. This year's campaign theme is 'Embrace Equity' because true inclusion and belonging require equitable action, and because when we embrace equity, we embrace diversity and inclusion. In celebration of this day IPIC will highlight prominent women members who are just some of the many incredible women within the IP profession.