The report, released at the Illicit Trade: Global Threat – Local Consequences event in Toronto on February 3, is a comprehensive review of Canada’s intellectual property system and finds that enforcement and protection of IP is fundamental to Canada’s economic welfare.

"The rampant theft of intellectual property on going throughout Canada affects almost every sector of the Canadian economy and accounts for billions of dollars in lost revenue", says Bob Weese, Chair, Canadian Intellectual Property Council and Vice President, GE Canada. "Counterfeit products include luxury goods, electronics, pharmaceuticals and even children’s toys. Many of these products pose a direct threat to the health and safety of consumers and their production and distribution has been linked to organized crime."

Read the full report:

A Time for Change: Toward a New Era for Intellectual Property Rights in Canada  

About the CIPC

The Canadian Intellectual Property Council (CIPC) is a Canadian business coalition - supported by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce - which is designed to provide a central voice to press for stronger intellectual property protection both in Canada and worldwide. Launched in 2008, the CIPC’s primary objective is to ensure that the Canadian government provides the necessary legislative framework and sufficient resources to combat the rampant counterfeiting and piracy of intellectual property. Their members represent a broad range of industries including pharmaceuticals, software, entertainment and consumer goods, all of which rely on intellectual property rights for their success.

Contact:

Kathryn Anderson

Director, Communications

Canadian Chamber of Commerce

Office: 613.238.4000, ext.231

Cell: 613.797.1860

kanderson@chamber.ca

www.ipcouncil.ca