The use of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) procedures to settle disputes between private parties outside the courts has a long tradition in legal systems around the world. While traditionally ADR options have not been widely used to settle intellectual property (IP) and related disputes, such procedures are becoming increasingly popular. The WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center, a provider of ADR options specialized in IP and technology disputes, can be an interesting option for IP professionals and their clients who are dealing with such disputes in Canada or internationally.

The Request for Assistance (RFA) program, administered by CBSA, is designed to assist with detection and detention of suspect counterfeit and pirated goods at the border, and empower rights holders to take action against importers of such goods. To enroll, rights holders must file an application with CBSA that identifies the copyrights, or registered trademarks or geographical indications of concern (which list can be updated as new rights arise). RFAs are valid for two years once approved and are renewable for subsequent successive two-year periods. The program has been in place since 2015. There is currently no government fee to apply.  

In January 2022, three diverse IP partners at Gowling WLG and IPIC members, Shahrzad Esmaili, Natalie Rizkalla-Kamel, and Selena Kim, launched a newsletter on LinkedIn called “Taking Up Space,” where they write about their careers, how they got to where they are, personal successes, setbacks, advice to their younger audience about “making it”, and what life is generally like while balancing careers in IP in a large firm while parenting young kids.

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 ‘Break the Bias,’ whether deliberate or unconscious, bias makes it difficult for women to move ahead. Knowing that bias exists isn’t enough, action is needed to level the playing field. In celebration of this day IPIC will highlight prominent women members who are just some of the many incredible women within the IP profession.

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 ‘Break the Bias,’ whether deliberate or unconscious, bias makes it difficult for women to move ahead. Knowing that bias exists isn’t enough, action is needed to level the playing field. In celebration of this day IPIC will highlight prominent women members who are just some of the many incredible women within the IP profession.

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 ‘Break the Bias,’ whether deliberate or unconscious, bias makes it difficult for women to move ahead. Knowing that bias exists isn’t enough, action is needed to level the playing field. In celebration of this day IPIC will highlight prominent women members who are just some of the many incredible women within the IP profession.

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 ‘Break the Bias,’ whether deliberate or unconscious, bias makes it difficult for women to move ahead. Knowing that bias exists isn’t enough, action is needed to level the playing field. In celebration of this day IPIC will highlight prominent women members who are just some of the many incredible women within the IP profession.  

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 ‘Break the Bias,’ whether deliberate or unconscious, bias makes it difficult for women to move ahead. Knowing that bias exists isn’t enough, action is needed to level the playing field. In celebration of this day IPIC will highlight prominent women members who are just some of the many incredible women within the IP profession. 

With the ongoing pandemic, recent national and worldwide political developments and invasions, it is easy to become overwhelmed by incessant stream of bad news. Now more than ever it is important to also recognize our members, not only for your endurance and resilience over these past two years but for the dedication, passion and professionalism you have always brought to our association and to the IP profession. It is critical for IPIC to continue to celebrate our members and the important work you continue to accomplish amidst these challenges.  This is one of the reasons why IPIC continues to raise the profile of our profession and of our members through our Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) related activities.

In celebration of Black History Month in February, IPIC has developed a spotlight series featuring BIPOC leaders within the IP profession. These spotlights help to highlight the significant contributions BIPOC professionals have made to the IP industry and to inspire the next generation of IP leaders. The following spotlight features IPIC member Rama Panford-Walsh, Associate, Intellectual Property, Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt.

In celebration of Black History Month in February, IPIC has developed a spotlight series featuring BIPOC leaders within the IP profession. These spotlights help to highlight the significant contributions BIPOC professionals have made to the IP industry and to inspire the next generation of IP leaders. The following spotlight features IPIC member Tony Sabeta, Partner / Patent Agent, Aird & McBurney LP.

In celebration of Black History Month in February, IPIC has developed a spotlight series featuring BIPOC leaders within the IP profession. These spotlights help to highlight the significant contributions BIPOC professionals have made to the IP industry and to inspire the next generation of IP leaders. The following spotlight features IPIC member Simone M. L. Ndiaye, Trademark Agent with Therrien Couture Joli-Coeur S.E.N.C.R.L.