Parliamentary Secretary Lametti discusses how intellectual property is critical to fostering innovation

Intellectual property encourages innovation, attracts investment and supports economic growth

NIAGARA FALLS, ON, Oct. 12, 2017 /CNW/ - The strategic use of intellectual‎ property rights helps firms grow and compete in a modern and global economy. That was the message delivered by David Lametti, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, at the 91st Annual Meeting of the Intellectual Property Institute of Canada (IPIC)—a gathering of professionals who specialize in intellectual property rights including trademarks, copyrights, industrial designs and patents.

In his fireside chat with IPIC President Stephen Beney, Parliamentary Secretary Lametti spoke about recent consultations on Canada's new intellectual property strategy. Announced in Budget 2017 and part of Canada's Innovation and Skills Plan, this strategy will help ensure that Canada's intellectual property regime is modern and robust and supports Canadian innovations in the 21st century. The Parliamentary Secretary also spoke about the steps the Government of Canada is taking to better promote the benefits of IP among Canadian SMEs and the role IP agents play in securing rights. In addition, he outlined how the new national IP strategy fits into the Government's innovation agenda and the goal of making Canada an innovation leader where firms grow to scale.

Quote

"Canada's intellectual property regime provides a framework that supports innovation across all sectors of the economy. Supporting the strategic use of IP by Canadian firms to grow to scale is a key objective of the national IP strategy being developed. IP agents and organizations involved in the innovation ecosystem can all contribute to helping Canadian businesses become more IP savvy and increase their commercialization outcomes." 
– David Lametti, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development

Quick facts

• IPIC is the Canadian professional association of patent agents, trademark agents and lawyers practising in intellectual property.
• Over the last 5 years, Canada significantly modernized its copyright, trademarks and patent legislation.
• The Government of Canada recently completed consultations on the IP strategy—including possible measures that would increase commercialization outcomes for Canadian businesses and support their growth—with particular interest in increasing education, awareness and outreach to improve IP savviness among SMEs, the availability of and access to IP advice, and inclusiveness.

SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

Contacts, Karl W. Sasseville, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, 343-291-2500; Media Relations, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, 343-291-1777, [email protected]