Mary Carman's World IP Day message

IPIC Reception
Parliament Hill
April 21, 2009

World Intellectual Property Day

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Thank you,

World Intellectual Property Day is an annual celebration linking intellectual property and creativity. It is an opportunity to celebrate and promote the successes of Canada's business community whose intellectual property (IP) assets contribute to our global economy.

Earlier today I was proud to co-host a networking luncheon with IPIC and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce with an eye to bring together stakeholders from the various stages of IP development, to share information and create stronger Outreach collaboration opportunities.

IP is at the very intersection of creativity, economic, social progress, business, environment, health, education, community values, and aspirations for collective and individual success.

Without IP, there is no protection for our inventors, creators, companies, musicians or artists, and no incentive for them to invent, to innovate or to create.

In today's knowledge economy, IP provides businesses with a competitive advantage, enabling innovators and creators to enhance the value of their products and services. IP can be one of a business' most valuable assets. Or, it can be a lost opportunity. Strategic use of IP will continue to provide businesses with a competitive advantage, enabling innovators and creators to enhance the value of their products and services.

The current global recession has had and will continue to have an impact on the Canadian business community. As CIPO plans for the future, we are listening to the ideas and expectations of our clients, staff, partners and stakeholders. In 2009-10 we will continue to take an open-minded and flexible approach to working with a business community that faces difficult times.

CIPO's mission calls for the organization to be actively engaged in accelerating economic development in Canada. It is more important than ever for innovators to be aware of the value that IP can bring to their bottom line.

CIPO is proud to play a key role in supporting Canada's innovation performance by delivering quality and timely IP rights within a modern competitive IP system.

Thank you