For more than five decades, Peter Johnson helped shape intellectual property practice in Alberta. As Edmonton’s only patent lawyer when he began practising in 1966, he went on to protect innovations across the province’s energy, agricultural and technology sectors while mentoring generations of patent professionals.

A Centennial Conversation with IPIC’s CEO Adam Kingsley

After obtaining a B.A. from McGill, Joan Clark pursued a law degree in French at the Université de Montréal. As a woman, Joan Clark had to be a pioneer in the choices she...

When considering filing for a patent, the approach can extend beyond patentability to the business value the invention can generate. A stronger patent strategy begins by...

The Intellectual Property Institute of Canada (IPIC) is pleased to announce important changes to two prestigious awards that recognize outstanding newly qualified patent and trademark agents: the Maybee Emerging Patent Agent Award of Excellence and the Foundation Emerging Trademark Agent Award of Excellence. These annual awards have long served as a mark of distinction for professionals entering the patent and trademark fields.  Historically, each award was bestowed upon the candidate who achieved the highest mark on the qualifying patent or trademark examination.  However, with the recent transition of the CPATA examinations to a pass or fail system, the basis for selecting award recipients has been updated to reflect this change.

How an Ottawa practitioner helped professionalize Canadian IP—and led IPIC at a pivotal moment in its history

In honour of Black History Month, we are proud to present IP Legacies: Celebrating Black Inventors. This February series celebrates Black inventors’ contributions to the global IP landscape – from foundational patents to blueprints for today’s essential technologies across industries.

Puzzled as to how to wish your Jewish friends and colleagues a happy holiday this season? Trademark expert Tamara Winegust explores the many ways to spell “Hanukkah” and uses this linguistic puzzle to illuminate key principles of trademark law, drawing on examples from cases involving notable brands, like STARBUCKS and VEUVE CLICQUOT. Ultimately, while your holiday greeting may be warmly received in any number of spellings, trademarks demand much stricter consistency.

In intellectual property litigation, financial experts play a critical role not only in quantifying damages, profits, and royalties, but in helping the court understand the broader financial story behind a case. In this article, Rick Davies offers practical guidance from an expert witness perspective on how and when to retain a financial expert, what to look for in selecting the right one, and how to work effectively with them throughout the litigation process to strengthen your strategy and outcomes.

The legal profession is experiencing a technological revolution with the rapid adoption of generative AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and specialized legal AI platforms. For junior intellectual property (IP) professionals entering this evolving landscape, understanding how to leverage these powerful tools while navigating their limitations is crucial for career success and professional development.

The following article was authored by the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO). The views and opinions expressed herein are those of CIPO and do not necessarily reflect the positions of the Intellectual Property Institute of Canada (IPIC).

Transitioning from private practice to an in‑house role can be a significant career shift for junior intellectual property professionals. This move offers new challenges and opportunities, shifting priorities from business development and billable hours to organizational integration and long‑term business strategies. In-House Practitioner Chris Peng walks through key considerations for emerging professionals considering this move.