Navigating the patent prosecution process can be a complex journey, especially for individual inventors and start-ups. Strong communication between patent agents and inventors is crucial to ensure a smooth and successful process. In this blog, (written by Chris Peng and adapted from an insightful IPIC Webinar by Richard Mar, Ilya Kalnish, and Tamara O’Connell), we explore essential strategies for agents to enhance their communication with inventors.

If the gestation period for dogs is two months, for humans it is nine months, and for African elephants it is a whopping twenty-one months, what is the gestation period for an international legal instrument—patent treaty—designed to ensure patents do not inadvertently incorporate traditional knowledge? If you guessed twenty-four years, congratulations!  You have a preternatural understanding of how difficult it is for states with conflicting interests to reach consensus on this kind of instrument. (Thirteen African elephants can be born successively to the same mother in twenty-four years.)

Explore the intersection of technology and law in Ayushman Kheterpal's insightful article, "How to Train Your LLaMA? – Copyright Issues Related to Training of Generative AI Models." Delve into the complex world where the voracious data appetite of AI models meets the intricate web of copyright laws, examining the challenges and legal battles that arise as developers push the boundaries of what's possible with generative AI. From landmark cases to the potential future of AI and copyright law, this piece offers a comprehensive overview of the current landscape and what it means for creators and technologists alike.

In the competitive world of online retail, the line between fair competition and unlawful interference can sometimes blur, leading to complex legal battles. Such was the case in a recent dispute between Keezio Group and The Shrunks’ Family Toy Company, two companies vying for market share in the inflatable beds for children segment on Amazon.com. IPIC Member Rob Youngson delves into a legal case where accusations of unfounded IP infringement complaints, negative online reviews, and disparaging communications set the stage for a fascinating summary trial.

Dr. Pia-Lauren Reece shares what Black History Month personally means to her through her presentation "Bridge to Excellence: A look at the past to entice change for the future". In this presentation, Dr. Reece weaves together her unique perspective as a scientist, a patent agent, and an individual deeply committed to technological innovation and social progress.

For Black History Month, I am reflecting on the intersections of intellectual property, business and the black experience in Canada. In the past several years, the spotlight...

Dive into the insightful world of mentorship with Andrew M. Shaughnessy, Partner at Torys LLP, and Emily Atkinson, Director of Legal Learning and Professional Resources at Torys LLP. Their latest blog post is a must-read that delves into the crucial nuances of mentorship in the legal profession.

In the pharmaceutical area, the issue of inducing infringement is an important one. Consider the fact situation: A brand company obtains a basic patent on a new compound A....

As a junior IP litigator, I find myself having a lot of questions about what it means to be an effective advocate in these “modern” times. I am among the first cohort of students to cut my teeth as a 2L summer and articling student wholly during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, my legal experience has been one of constant adjustments. I’ve witnessed our profession’s incredible ability to adapt and react to unprecedented times.

Today's emerging IP practitioners have a wide range of career options. While IP work was traditionally handled exclusively by law firms, more and more businesses are now seeking IP specialists to complement their in-house legal teams. As organizations strive to optimize their internal legal resources, IP lawyers and agents alike can bring valuable expertise to the table. This article aims to provides helpful tips for IP professionals who are looking to succeed in-house.

The theme of this year’s World IP Day is an important reminder that many segments of Canadian society do not have equal access to the necessary resources and tools to thrive in our profession. IPIC has been focused on raising awareness and working to make meaningful, positive change in respect of these issues. Since 2019, IPIC's Educational Foundation’s [Patent & Trademark Institute Educational Foundation (PTIEF)] mandate has been to encourage education and scholarship in the IP field with a focus on promoting diversity and inclusion among IP professionals and removing barriers to access for members of under-represented groups interested in pursuing educational opportunities in the IP field.

Neurodiversity is a concept that recognizes and values differences in the ways that people experience and interact with the world. While the term is typically applied to neurological conditions such as autism, ADHD and dyslexia, everyone thinks and learns differently and brings individual talents to their work.  This article focuses on ensuring the success of neurodiverse individuals[i] in IP firms, but many of the topics discussed will improve work experiences for all members of a firm.