Canadian IP voices

Latest Episodes:

IP insurance: Can startups afford to defend their IP? Sep 04, 2026

Show notes

How can startups and SMEs protect the value of their IP when litigation costs can be overwhelming? Joining us for this episode are Michael Huynh, General Counsel at Intellectual Property Ontario, and Shannon Shannon, a commercial insurance broker at Navacord, to explore how IP insurance can help businesses defend and enforce their IP rights. They discuss what is covered by IP insurance, how premiums are calculated and how this emerging tool may help innovators manage risk, attract investment and commercialize their ideas with greater confidence.

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Testing business ideas: Aligning strategy with IP protection Jun 18, 2026

Show notes

David Bland, author of Testing Business Ideas, and Kevin Dahl, Director of ElevateIP Alberta at Innovate Calgary, explore how to better balance your business strategy with IP considerations. Consider gathering real evidence from customers before spending a fortune building the wrong product. Learn how to identify your riskiest business assumptions using practical frameworks and strategically structure your testing process to avoid accidentally disclosing or compromising your valuable IP.

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Managing IP disputes: mediation, arbitration and other solutions May 20, 2026

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Facing an IP dispute? There are resolution options that don’t require going to court and the associated fees. Gary Lacasse, Executive Director of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Institute of Canada (ADRIC) and Justine Ferland, legal officer, WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Centre, explore how alternative dispute resolution can help resolve conflicts and protect intellectual property. From mediation to arbitration, they discuss when these approaches make sense and how they help preserve time and business relationships.

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How the Innovation Asset Collective helps cleantech companies succeed Apr 13, 2026

Show notes

The Innovation Asset Collective (IAC) is on a mission to help cleantech companies understand the value of their IP. Erin Pisko, Vice-President of IP Strategy at the IAC, uses real-world examples to show on which components of an IP strategy cleantech companies should focus. The IAC’s core programming provides a comprehensive suite of supports, including funding and skill-building to help increase patenting activity in the cleantech sector.

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Inside Elevate IP - How Canadian startups can access funding, and IP expertise Mar 17, 2026

Show notes

How does ElevateIP help deliver IP support to businesses?

Laura Cooke (ISED), Louis-Félix Binette, and Lola Arnaud (MAIN) answer this important question and more. Hear about how to access funding and how support is structured to promote long-term growth for your company.

Note: This episode was recorded in 2023 and since then ElevateIP has been awarded new funding to continue delivering on their mission to help businesses build their IP strategies.

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Navigating the global ocean of IP—A Black entrepreneur’s perspective on protection and opportunity Feb 25, 2026

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Ken Poulin is an independent trademark agent based in Vancouver. He explains why IP protection should start before and not after market success. As a Black entrepreneur himself, he shares his insights on what it looks like to support underrepresented communities, the role of diversity in Canada's innovation landscape and why educating business owners about the value of IP requires patience, empathy and a personal approach.

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Exploring the intersection between IP law and the protection of Indigenous knowledge and cultural expressions. Jun 07, 2024

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Vincent de Grandpré, lawyer and trademark agent at Bennett Jones and member of IPIC’s Committee for Indigenous IP explains the intersection between intellectual property law and the protection of Indigenous knowledge and cultural expressions.

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How the IP agent profession is regulated May 01, 2024

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Juda Strawczynski, CEO and Registrar of the College of Patent Agents and Trademark Agents (CPATA) explains how CPATA regulates the IP agent profession, ensuring that patent agents and trademark agents deliver accessible, ethical and expert IP services in Canada.

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What innovators need to know about the Competition Bureau Apr 03, 2024

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Alan Gunderson, senior economist and coordinator at the Economic Analysis Directorate at the Competition Bureau explains the Bureau’s mandate and actions when it comes to intellectual property.

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Intellectual Property Enforcement Guidelines

How does IP fit into the world of scientific research and experimental development? Mar 06, 2024

Show notes

David Arsenault, Atlantic Regional Manager for the Canada Revenue Agency's Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) Tax Incentive Program, demystifies the parallel worlds of R&D and IP from an SR&ED tax incentive program perspective.

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SR&ED tax incentives
Self-Assessment and Learning Tool
SR&ED outreach program
Request a free telephone consultation with an SR&ED specialist
Income Tax Folio S3-F4-C1, General Discussion of Capital Cost Allowance
Consultation Paper: Scientific Research and Experimental Development
Consultation Paper: Creating a Patent Box Regime

Learn more about SR&ED eligibility guidelines:

T4088 SR&ED Guide to Form T661

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