Receiving professional advice from a qualified patent or trademark agent can go a long way in helping Canadians obtain intellectual property (IP) rights for their innovations—and thereby fuel the growth and scale of our innovation economy. That is why the Government of Canada is committed to offering innovators and entrepreneurs the support they need to turn their creative ideas into new businesses.

Today, as part of the Government of Canada’s first-ever Intellectual Property Strategy, the College of Patent Agents and Trademark Agents has been established to regulate the patent and trademark agent profession to ensure Canadians benefit from access to high-quality IP advice and services.

The College will be responsible for maintaining the high standards that are expected of trusted patent and trademark advisors. It will administer a licensing system, making sure that only qualified professionals are authorized to provide agent services. The College will also maintain an agent code of conduct and undertake investigations and enforcement, as necessary, to ensure high-quality IP services for Canadians. Thanks to the College, patent agents and trademark agents will benefit from a range of supports to stay informed on the ever-evolving IP landscape to better serve Canadian businesses and innovators in protecting and leveraging their IP.