Gatineau – The Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) and the Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) continue to collaborate on promoting the awareness and use of intellectual property (IP) among Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), academia and innovators. On January 9, 2024, CIPO and the TCS signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the goals of:
- Developing digital and virtual educational content and tools to help Canadian SMEs identify, protect and manage IP effectively when doing business abroad;
- Strengthening and deepening key partnerships through the IP Village and with industry and academia in a strategic manner to better inform and support exporting SMEs and underrepresented groups as they seek support on IP-related issues; and
- Developing a data-driven and evidence-based approach to ensure higher impact of IP program delivery.
CIPO and the TCS first established this MOU in 2019 and have had a long collaboration in promoting IP protection among Canadian SMEs. Following the signing on January 9, the renewed MOU will be in effect for five years. Both organizations are also focused on working together to advance the Government of Canada’s commitment to supporting the protection of Canadian IP in foreign markets.
“The role of IP is critical in the international expansion of any business. In this regard, CIPO is excited to continue working with the TCS to help Canadian SMEs protect their IP abroad.” – Konstantinos Georgaras, CIPO’s Commissioner of Patents, Registrar of Trademarks and Chief Executive Officer