Industry Canada and University of Toronto Centre for Innovation Law and Policy Conference on Intellectual Property and Innovation in the Knowledge-Based Economy

Intellectual property policy is a critical instrument that provides the foundation for investment and growth opportunities in the knowledge-based economy. The IP regime must be more than a zero-sum game; it must contribute to Canada's success in the new economy. The objective of the conference was to gain a better understanding of how intellectual property rights interact with Canada's capacity to generate new knowledge.

The conference explored how the IP regime can stimulate the creation and commercialization of new knowledge and how it can make the best contribution to Canada's innovative economy. It also examined emerging IP issues such as the patenting of biotechnology, software and business methods, and the protection of databases.

The conference successfully brought together international experts to focus on the economics of intellectual property, and more particularly as it relates to Canada and its economic structure. Free and open discussions were held on the role of intellectual property in stimulating innovation in the knowledge-based economy. The authors involved in the conference were able to prepare and present new and original research and results. A research volume prepared by Industry Canada and consisting in a collection of the conference papers will be made available progressively on this site in the coming months.

For more information on the Conference, and to see some of the presentations made (in their original language), please see the Conference Program. The video of the conference can be seen at http://www.innovationlaw.org/lawforum/pages/ip_conference.htm.

The Industry Canada research volume Intellectual Property and Innovation in the Knowledge-Based Economy is available on this site.