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

Traditional Knowledge and Traditional Cultural Expressions are an important part of Indigenous cultures, identities and innovation. In this episode, we explore how they fit within current intellectual property (IP) frameworks, the challenges Indigenous creators and communities may encounter and the practical tools available to help protect and promote them.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.