Intellectual Property

The emphasis on innovation as a measure of global competitiveness, as well as the growth in participation of the Canadian economy in global trade have made the international dimension of intellectual property policy increasingly important.

There are numerous well established international conventions specifically relating to the protection of intellectual property rights, some dating back over a century. These conventions are administered through the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). The World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) brought some of the well-established intellectual property obligations found in WIPO administered conventions into a trade context.

Global Affairs Canada manages the trade related aspects of the intellectual property regime of rights and regulations that support and protect innovation and creation (such as copyright, trademarks, patents, industrial designs and geographical indications), and the content created by cultural industries (film and television production, broadcasting, and publishing). Our role includes responsibility for these areas in the context of ongoing multilateral, regional and bilateral negotiations.

This page outlines Canada's participation in intellectual property aspects of trade negotiations.

World Trade Organization Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS)

• TRIPS Agreement and IP issues at the WTO
• Canada’s position in WTO Negotiations
  • TRIPS and Public Health
  • Geographical Indications
  • Patentability of Higher Life Forms
  • TRIPS and the Convention on Biological Diversity
  • Non-Violation Complaints

Canada and the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement

• Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement - Signed October 1, 2011 in Tokyo, Japan
• History of Negotiation and relevant archived documents

Use of Government of Canada Symbols Abroad

The Intellectual Property Trade Policy Division at Global Affairs Canada, in consultation with various federal departments, is also responsible for use of Government of Canada symbols abroad.

Related Links

• Canadian Intellectual Property Office
• ARCHIVED – Industry Canada's Intellectual Property Policy Information Page
• Canadian Heritage - Copyright Policy
• Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada – Office of Intellectual Property and Commercialization
• Royal Canadian Mountain Police – Intellectual Property Rights Crime
• Competition Bureau – Intellectual Property Enforcement Guidelines
• World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Administered Treaties
• World Trade Organization (WTO) – TRIPS

Contact Point

If you have questions or comments, please contact Global Affairs Canada at:

Intellectual Property Trade Policy Division (TMI)
Global Affairs Canada
Lester B. Pearson Building
125 promenade Sussex Drive
Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0G2
Fax: 613-944-0066
E-mail : consultations@international.gc.ca