IP Challenges in a Connected World ACCC Symposium by David Tobin, CEO February 23, 2001

2 Presentation Outline n Intellectual Property (IP), Innovation and the Knowledge-based Economy (KBE) the Knowledge-based Economy (KBE) n IP Offices’ Environment n CIPO and IP Outreach n CIPO’s IP Information Sources n Next Steps

3 IP, Innovation and the KBE n Intellectual property crystallizes knowledge, creation and innovation to provide the basis for investment, partnership and growth opportunities n Leading-edge industries are intensive users of IP n The IP regime is a critical marketplace framework for protecting assets and identifying opportunities

4 We are seeing greater inventiveness Canadian applications to the U.S. (1995) Domestic patent applications per 10,000 labour force * Japan data adjusted to be comparable to the other countries. Source: Industry Canada compilations based on OECD data Source: Mohammed Rafiquzzaman and Lori Whewell, forthcoming

5 ENVIRONMENT IP Offices today are facing significant challenges / opportunities: l Globalization l Knowledge-based Economy l Client Service

6 ENVIRONMENT GLOBALIZATION n Economy not limited by geographical boundaries n Decentralization of information systems n Increased use of international IP systems, e.g., PCT n Global initiatives to acquire/share electronic IP information

7 Applications Filed

8 ENVIRONMENT KNOWLEDGE-BASED ECONOMY (KBE) n IP is key contributor to improving knowledge and innovation n Participation in using IP rights depends on awareness and business strategies n Increased complexity of patent subject-matter l biotechnology l size of applications (1 application = 6 boxes of paper!!) l business methods (U.S.) l evolution of foreign practice

9 ENVIRONMENT CLIENT SERVICE n Use of the Internet is increasing n More transactions enacted by e-commerce n Clients expect faster and better service

10 Client Info Queries Data not available for fiscal year 1997/1998 Data for Patents in PDF for fiscal year 1998/1999 only available from November 1998

11 Canadians on the Internet SMEsIndividuals June Source: AC Nielsen Source: Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) Note: Businesses with fewer than 500 employees

12 CIPO’s MISSION To accelerate Canada’s economic development by: n Administering IP systems in Canada n Fostering the use of IP systems and the exploitation of IP information n Encouraging invention, innovation and creativity in Canada n Promoting Canada’s international IP interests

13 OUR ORGANIZATION Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) n Special Operating Agency, revolving fund n Part of Industry Canada (Operations Sector) n 680 employees n Administers IP legislation in Canada: l Patents l Trade-marks l Copyrights l Industrial Designs l Integrated Circuit Topographies

14 CIPO AND IP OUTREACH Need for IP Awareness: n Knowledge-based industries l more pertinent to IP n Creators/innovators must be better aware of IP l advantage of protection in world markets l information on new technologies through searching, etc. n Lack of awareness = competitive disadvantage n Major industrialized trading partners are promoting IP promoting IP

15 CIPO AND IP OUTREACH Survey of organizations having an IP information- provider role on their clients’ needs: l Internet is now preferred means for getting IP information l Low awareness of strategic value of IP by both organizations and clients l Information needs relate more closely to type of client served than to type of provider l Need for better information on how to file l Want better training in use of IP databases

16 CIPO AND IP OUTREACH Current approaches as a follow-up: l Emphasis on development of CIPO’s Web site l Enhancements to on-line databases l Training sessions for Info-providers use of web-based IP information tools l Pilot training sessions on use of IP databases l Need to educate in strategic use of IP

17 CIPO INFORMATION SOURCES n Enquiries (Client Service Centre) l Phone:(819) l Fax:(819) n Publications l IP Guides, other pamphlets and info sheets n CIPO’s Web site l On-line information l Canadian Patent Database (1920 to date) l Canadian Trade-marks Database (all registered marks) l E-filing l Links to other sites (IP Offices) l IC Diagnostic tools (BIX) on Strategis Come visit us at:

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19 FUTURE DIRECTIONS Next steps: n Conduct additional analysis on client needs n Find, examine and then adopt best practices of other IPOs n Identify key client groups and engage them in consultation n Identify products needed and deliver with improved service n Carry out in consultation with clients and other stakeholders Your feedback will be most valuable to us!

20 COME VISIT US AT... Canadian Intellectual Property Office Industry Canada Place du Portage I 50 Victoria Street Hull, Quebec K1A 0C9