Honouring the Past, Shaping the Next Century

As IPIC celebrates its 100th anniversary, we sat down with Adam Kingsley (CEO of IPIC) to reflect on the historic milestone and what lies ahead for the intellectual property profession in Canada. In the conversation below, Rick Davies talks to Adam Kingsley about the Institute's Centennial, the enduring value of its history, and the pivotal role Emerging Leaders will play in shaping IPIC's next century.

IPIC's Centennial Vision & Strategy

Rick Davies: As IPIC marks its 100th anniversary, what does this milestone represent for the organization and for the broader IP profession in Canada?

Adam Kingsley: A centennial is an opportunity to reflect on where we've come from, but even more importantly, where we're going. For 100 years, IPIC has played a central role in advancing the intellectual property profession in Canada—advocating for sound IP policy, supporting professional excellence, and creating a community where practitioners can learn from one another.
This milestone also recognizes the generations of volunteers who built the profession and the Institute into what they are today. Their commitment established a strong foundation that continues to benefit every member. As we celebrate the past, we're equally focused on ensuring IPIC remains relevant, innovative, and influential for the next century.

Rick Davies: What are some of the key initiatives or signature events planned for the Centennial this year, and what impact do you hope they will have on IPIC members?

Adam Kingsley: The Centennial isn't just a single event—it's a celebration that's woven throughout the entire year. You'll see it reflected in our marketing and communications, not only to our members but also to key stakeholders, government, and the broader innovation community. Everything will culminate at the 2026 IPIC Annual Conference in Ottawa this September, where we'll come together to celebrate this remarkable milestone.

Many members have probably already seen some of our Centennial branding and digital content, which focuses on the people and communities who have made IPIC what it is today. At its heart, this Centennial is about storytelling—sharing the experiences, relationships, and moments that have shaped both the Institute and the profession over the last 100 years.
We're also inviting members to be part of that story. Through our Centennial hub at IPIC100.ca, members can explore our history, learn about the individuals who helped build the Institute, and contribute their own stories about the people, programs, and experiences that have influenced their careers.

Throughout the year, and especially at the Annual Conference, members can expect special recognition of our history, opportunities to hear from distinguished leaders who have shaped the profession, and celebrations that honour the milestones that brought us to where we are today.

Ultimately, I hope members come away with an even deeper appreciation for the profession and the Institute they belong to, a stronger sense of connection with one another, and the inspiration to help shape IPIC's next century.

Role of Emerging Leaders in IPIC's Future

Rick Davies: Why do you believe it's important for Emerging Leaders to understand IPIC's history and the legacy of the profession?

Adam Kingsley: Understanding our history provides valuable perspective. Many of the issues we face today, whether around legislation, professional standards, or access to innovation have evolved over decades. Appreciating how previous generations addressed challenges helps us make better decisions today.

More importantly, it reminds Emerging Leaders that IPIC has always been shaped by members who chose to get involved. The profession we inherit today exists because others volunteered their time, shared their expertise, and invested in building something larger than themselves.

Rick Davies: How do you see Emerging Leaders contributing to IPIC's next 100 years, particularly as the IP landscape becomes more global, digital, and interdisciplinary?

Adam Kingsley: The future of intellectual property will be shaped by technologies and business models that continue to evolve rapidly. Artificial intelligence, digital platforms, data, biotechnology, and cross-border innovation are already transforming how IP is created, protected, and commercialized.

Emerging Leaders bring perspectives that are naturally aligned with these changes. They're often working at the forefront of new technologies, collaborating across disciplines, and thinking globally from the beginning of their careers. Their insights will help IPIC remain responsive to emerging issues while ensuring the profession continues to meet the needs of innovators, businesses, and the public.

Rick Davies: What skills, perspectives, or attributes do you think Emerging Leaders bring that are especially valuable to IPIC right now?

Adam Kingsley: Curiosity, adaptability, and a willingness to challenge conventional thinking.

Emerging Leaders have grown up in an environment where technology changes quickly, collaboration happens across borders, and lifelong learning is expected. They also bring diverse educational backgrounds and professional experiences that strengthen the breadth of perspectives within IPIC.

Perhaps most importantly, they ask thoughtful questions. Those questions help organizations like ours continue to evolve rather than simply maintaining the status quo.
With all of the said, I think their recent connections to the educational systems in Canada is also a huge benefit to IPIC, as they are great examples for current students of the possible pathways into the IP profession, or the importance of IP for the future business leaders of this country.

Engagement & Participation During the Centennial

Rick Davies: What opportunities exist for Emerging Leaders to participate in or shape the Centennial programming throughout the year?

Adam Kingsley: One of IPIC's greatest strengths is that members don't simply attend events—they help create them. Emerging Leaders have opportunities to participate through committees, conference planning, speaking engagements, publications, mentoring initiatives, and volunteer leadership.

The Centennial provides an ideal platform to showcase new voices and ideas while celebrating our shared history. We want Emerging Leaders to see themselves not only as participants, but as active contributors to the conversations shaping the profession.

Tell your story, tell us about your mentors, tell us about your experiences, both positive and negative, so we can continuously evolve throughout this celebration.

Rick Davies: Are there specific Centennial initiatives where you believe contributions from Emerging Leaders may have the most impact?

Adam Kingsley: I think storytelling is one area where Emerging Leaders can make a significant contribution. Capturing the experiences of long-standing members while reflecting on where the profession is headed creates an important bridge between generations.

Emerging Leaders also play a critical role in bringing fresh perspectives to discussions about the future of IP practice. The Centennial isn't simply about looking backward, it's about imagining what the next century should look like, and that conversation needs voices from every stage of the profession.

Rick Davies: How is IPIC ensuring that the Centennial celebrations are inclusive and accessible to members at all career stages, including those just entering the profession?

Adam Kingsley: Inclusivity has been an important consideration in our planning. We're intentionally integrating Centennial activities across our existing programs so members can participate regardless of where they are in their careers or where they're located.

We're also highlighting the many pathways through the profession, from students and new practitioners to experienced leaders and retirees, to demonstrate that everyone has a place within the IPIC community. Our goal is for every member to see themselves reflected in the Centennial story.

Leadership Development & Long-Term Involvement

Rick Davies: What advice would you give to Emerging Leaders who want to take on more active roles within IPIC committees, advocacy efforts, or governance?

Adam Kingsley: Start before you think you're ready.

Professional associations thrive because members volunteer their time and expertise, and there is always room for people who are willing to contribute. Join a committee, attend meetings, volunteer for a project, or simply introduce yourself to experienced members.

Leadership within IPIC isn't about having all the answers. It's about being engaged, reliable, collaborative, and willing to contribute over time. Many of today's leaders began by volunteering for relatively small roles that gradually led to larger opportunities.

Rick Davies: What major trends or challenges do you foresee shaping the next decade of IP practice, and how is IPIC preparing its Emerging Leaders for that future?

Adam Kingsley: Artificial intelligence will undoubtedly continue to reshape many aspects of intellectual property, from creation and ownership questions to patent practice and enforcement. At the same time, increasing globalization, cybersecurity, data governance, sustainability, and rapid technological change will require practitioners to develop broader skills and collaborate across disciplines.

IPIC's role is to help members stay ahead of those changes through education, advocacy, professional development, and creating opportunities to exchange knowledge with colleagues across the country and internationally. Equally important is developing leadership skills that enable practitioners to navigate uncertainty and contribute thoughtfully to policy discussions.

Rick Davies: If you could leave Emerging Leaders with one message as IPIC enters its second century, what would it be?

Adam Kingsley: Remember that every generation inherits a profession, but also has the opportunity to improve it.

The next century of IPIC won't simply happen on its own. It will be shaped by members who choose to participate, volunteer, mentor others, and bring new ideas forward. I encourage Emerging Leaders to get involved early, be curious, and never underestimate the impact you can have.

One hundred years from now, someone will be looking back at the decisions we make today. My hope is that they'll see this generation as one that embraced change, strengthened the profession, and ensured IPIC remained a trusted voice for intellectual property in Canada.