Canadian IP voices

Hosted by The Canadian Intellectual Property Office

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May 2026

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About the show

With hosts Lisa Desjardins (English) and Maya Urbanowicz (French). In line with the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO)’s mandate for intellectual property (IP) awareness and education, this podcast is dedicated to increasing awareness, knowledge and the effective use of IP by Canadians. Canadian IP voices is a podcast series where we discuss tips, tricks and issues, and understand the bigger picture on how trademarks, patents, copyrights, industrial designs and trade secrets work in real life. Listen to real problems—and real solutions—explained by a range of IP professionals and stakeholders across Canada and abroad. Tune in each month for interviews and real life stories with special guests. Produced by CIPO. Podcast disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the podcasts listed on this website are those of the individual podcasters and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of CIPO.

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43 recent

May 20, 202623 min

Managing IP disputes: mediation, arbitration and other solutions

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. Discover online: Alternative methods to resolve intellectual property disputes (canada.ca) ADR_Connect_Search (adric.ca) Find an IP Professional (ipic.ca) Alternative Dispute Resolution (wipo.int) Recommended WIPO Contract Clauses and Submission Agreements Alternative Dispute Resolution for IP Disputes: the WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center’s Experience (ipic.ca)

April 13, 202631 min

How the Innovation Asset Collective helps cleantech companies succeed

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. Explore online: Innovation Asset Collective Clean technology and intellectual property IP Central

March 17, 202621 min

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

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. Explore online: Intellectual Property Strategy (canada.ca) List of recipients of ElevateIP (canada.ca) Funding and support programs for doing international business (tradecommissioner.gc.ca) NRC IRAP support for intellectual property - National Research Council Canada

February 25, 202617 min

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

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. Explore online: Black entrepreneurs and intellectual property IP Central IP resources and funding for entrepreneurs (canada.ca)

June 7, 202422 min

Exploring the intersection between IP law and the protection of Indigenous knowledge and cultural expressions.

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. Explore online: Indigenous peoples and intellectual property (canada.ca)Indigenous Bar AssociationImplementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People Act (justice.gc.ca)Indigenous Traditional Knowledge (ipic.ca)

May 1, 202425 min

How the IP agent profession is regulated

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.Explore online:CPATA Public RegisterCPATA Code of Professional Conduct

April 3, 202428 min

What innovators need to know about the Competition Bureau

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.Explore online:Intellectual Property Enforcement Guidelines

March 6, 202430 min

How does IP fit into the world of scientific research and experimental development?

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.Explore online:SR&ED tax incentivesSelf-Assessment and Learning ToolSR&ED outreach programRequest a free telephone consultation with an SR&ED specialistIncome Tax Folio S3-F4-C1, General Discussion of Capital Cost AllowanceConsultation Paper: Scientific Research and Experimental DevelopmentConsultation Paper: Creating a Patent Box RegimeLearn more about SR&ED eligibility guidelines:T4088 SR&ED Guide to Form T661

February 7, 202423 min

How is I.P. managed when the government funds you to innovate?

Grant Lynds, a senior advisor on IP matters from the IP Centre of Expertise, sheds light on the role of this group and how IP considerations are addressed in government funding agreements.Explore online:Canadian Intellectual Property OfficeIntellectual Property Centre of ExpertiseCollege of Patent Agents and Trademark AgentsIntellectual Property Institute of Canada

January 3, 202443 min

How to use IP for financing

Kiriakoula Hatzikiriakos, Manager-Senior Legal Counsel in the Commercial/International sector of Legal Affairs at the National Bank of Canada, explains the rules and challenges of using IP as a collateral for funding.Explore online:BLOG | koulahIntellectual Property-Backed Financing | BDC.ca