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.

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.  

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.  

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.  

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.  

In celebration of Black History Month throughout February IPIC will be highlighting leaders in the #IP profession through a series of Member Spotlights. The spotlights promote the significant contributions these members have made to the IP profession and industry and bring awareness to challenges and/or obstacles they have faced in their careers. Each spotlight will also include insights and advice to inspire the next generation of IP leaders. The following spotlight features IPIC member Kristina Milbourn, Managing Counsel, Litigation, Rogers Communications.

In celebration of Black History Month throughout February IPIC will be highlighting leaders in the #IP profession through a series of Member Spotlights. The spotlights promote the significant contributions these members have made to the IP profession and industry and bring awareness to challenges and/or obstacles they have faced in their careers. Each spotlight will also include insights and advice to inspire the next generation of IP leaders. The following spotlight features IPIC member Antoinette Bugyei-Twum, Associate & Patent Agent Trainee, Borden Ladner Gervais LLP

In celebration of Black History Month throughout February IPIC will be highlighting leaders in the #IP profession through a series of Member Spotlights. The spotlights promote the significant contributions these members have made to the IP profession and industry and bring awareness to challenges and/or obstacles they have faced in their careers. Each spotlight will also include insights and advice to inspire the next generation of IP leaders. The following spotlight features IPIC member Ismaël Coulibaly, Partner/Lawyer & Trademark Agent, BENOÎT & CÔTÉ.

In celebration of Black History Month throughout February IPIC will be highlighting leaders in the #IP profession through a series of Member Spotlights. The spotlights promote the significant contributions these members have made to the IP profession and industry and bring awareness to challenges and/or obstacles they have faced in their careers. Each spotlight will also include insights and advice to inspire the next generation of IP leaders. The following spotlight features IPIC member Jillian Carter, IP Clerk, Perry + Currier Inc. and Certified Canadian Trademark Administrator (CCTA).

In June of this year, the Canadian Federal Government released the ‘National Indigenous Economic Strategy for Canada 2022’ (NIES). The NIES builds on the 2015 Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) report, as well as the premise that full reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples is impossible without economic reconciliation.  It serves as a blueprint to achieve meaningful engagement and inclusion of Indigenous Peoples in the Canadian economy, with the ultimate aim that Indigenous communities will achieve self-sufficiency and socio-economic equality with the rest of Canada.

As part of IPIC’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) project, Building Back Through Innovation & Increasing Diversity in Canada’s IP Sector, and in celebration of Pride Season which runs from June-September, IPIC has reached out to the UK organization IP Inclusive to find out about their division IP Out. IP Out is the IP Inclusive Community for LGBT+ people and their allies working in the IP professions. They provide support and networking opportunities for LGBT+ people and their allies in the UK. We wanted to find out more about the group and why they think such a group could be beneficial to Canadian IP professionals. Here’s what they had to say: