Government of Canada launches call for directors to oversee new College of Patent Agents and Trademark Agents as part of IP Strategy
News release
New independent regulator to improve governance of intellectual property system
February 15, 2019 — Ottawa, Ontario
Intellectual property (IP) is increasingly important in the innovation economy. Patent and trademark agents are helping innovators and entrepreneurs protect their IP and reap the full rewards of their hard work. That is why the Government of Canada is committed to offering Canadians the support they need to turn their creative ideas into new businesses and well-paying jobs.
Today, the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, launched a call for diverse and talented Canadians to form the first board of directors of the College of Patent Agents and Trademark Agents. The Board of Directors will help lay the foundation for the College and ensure that a robust, public interest–minded body oversees intellectual property agents.
The Government of Canada announced the creation of the College in Budget 2018 as part of its Intellectual Property Strategy to make Canada a leader in generating and strategically leveraging IP investments. The College will benefit Canadian innovation by ensuring that businesses can trust the advice they receive from these important professionals that will help bring Canadian ideas to global markets and compete globally.
The College of Patent Agents and Trademark Agents will be responsible for maintaining the high standards that are expected of trusted patent and trademark advisors. It will administer a licensing system, making sure that only qualified professionals are authorized to provide agent services.
Quotes
"Intellectual property is vital to driving our innovation economy forward. The new College of Patent Agents and Trademark Agents along with its governing board will raise the bar of IP professional services in Canada, making sure Canadians have the highest quality of IP support to grow their businesses and create good middle-class jobs."
— The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development
Quick facts
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The Board will include five members working on a part-time basis to establish the College of Patent Agents and Trademark Agents.
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Two of the directors will be appointed on the recommendation of the Intellectual Property Institute of Canada.
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The new College will be an independent regulator responsible for enforcing a code of professional conduct and implementing requirements for professional development to ensure that agents stay informed of the ever-evolving IP landscape and deliver high-quality advice.
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The College of Patent Agents and Trademark Agents Act passed in December 2018 as part of the Budget Implementation Act, 2018, No. 2.
Associated links
Contacts
Follow Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada on Twitter: @ISED_CA
Dani Keenan
Press Secretary
Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development
343-291-1710
Media Relations
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
343-291-1777
ic.mediarelations-mediasrelations.ic@canada.ca
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