The IPIC Peter W. McBurney Memorial Award for Professional Excellence recognizes an intellectual property (IP) professional in Canada, who demonstrated excellence in their practice during the past year in the successful prosecution of a landmark patent or trademark property, the prosecution or defense of a legal action where the result has a significant, positive impact on Canadian IP policy, or who has made an extraordinary contribution to the IP profession. IPIC’s Board of Directors is pleased to announce Peter Wilcox as the recipient of the Peter W. McBurney Memorial Award for Professional Excellence. Peter Wilcox was presented with this prestigious award on September 27, 2024, in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to the IP profession.

IPIC’s Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Christopher (Chris) Dejardin is this year's recipient of the Institute’s Shelley Jones Outstanding Contribution Award. Chris received the award on September 27, 2024, for having gone above and beyond expectations of our volunteers at IPIC, for adapting the trademark training to the new exam format, developing significant content and teaching as well as being Chair of the Trademark Agent Training Committee for a second term, among other initiatives.

The IPIC Member of Distinction Award aims to recognize IP professionals who have made a significant contribution to the Institute over at least 20 consecutive years. The individual will have demonstrated significant leadership, commitment, and dedication to increasing awareness of IPIC and the IP profession in Canada. IPIC’s Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Lorne Lipkus is this year’s recipient of the Institute’s Member of Distinction Award.