Interested in becoming a member? Have a look at the categories of membership below. Please note that all members must be at least 18 years of age. More information on each category is available in our By-law.
1. Affiliate Membership
You are eligible to become an Affiliate member* if you are interested in the objectives of IPIC.
2. Associate Membership
You are eligible to become an Associate member*, if you are a resident of Canada, and:
- Are a registered patent or trademark agent in Canada, or
- Have practised in patents or trademarks for at least two years in Canada, 18 months of which has been under the supervision of a registered patent or trademark agent, or
- Have practised for at least two years in Canada in the fields of patent, trademark, industrial design or copyright law, as a lawyer qualified in any province of Canada.
- Associate members are entitled to vote at IPIC’s General Meetings.
3. Academic Membership
You are eligible to become an Academic member* if you are a resident of Canada, are interested in the objectives of IPIC and are engaged full-time as a member of a faculty of a Canadian university or college.
4. Student Membership
You are eligible to become a Student member* if you are a resident of Canada, are interested in the objectives of IPIC and are enrolled as a full-time student in a Canadian university or college or are a student-at-law in good standing.
*Subject to IPIC’s By-law and approval by Council.
Membership categories available to long-standing IPIC members:
1. Fellows
You are eligible to become a Fellow member once you meet the following criteria:
- Are a resident of Canada and have been an Associate for at least seven years; or eligible to have been an Associate for at least seven years, during which time you were either an Associate or an Affiliate member; and,
- as your principal occupation, have been engaged in Canada for at least seven years as a registered patent agent, registered trademark agent or lawyer in the field of intellectual property.
Fellows are entitled to vote at IPIC’s General Meetings.
2. Emeritus Members
You are eligible to become an Emeritus Member once you meet the following criteria;
- Have been a Fellow or an Associate;
- Have been a member for at least twenty years;
- Be fully retired from patent, trademark, industrial design and copyright practice; and
- Satisfy Council that you will utilize materials sent by the Institute for your own personal use only, as distinguished from professional or other use;
3. Honorary Members and Members of Distinction
An individual who will reflect honour and credit upon the Institute may be awarded the title of Member of Distinction if he or she is or has been a member of IPIC, or the title of Honorary Member if he or she is not or has not been a member of IPIC. Awarding either such Membership requires a resolution by Council after consideration of nominations submitted by the members of the Institute. Honorary Members and Members of Distinction pay no entrance or other fee but in all other respects will be subject to the By-Laws and Regulations of the Institute. Members of Distinction who have at any time been Fellows will be deemed for all purposes of these By-Laws, except the payment of fees, to be Fellows.