Last week, the official text of the Trans-Pacific Partnership was posted, including the chapter on Intellectual Property and various related side instruments. The new Liberal government has said it will review the agreement and have consultations.
The main chapter on intellectual property (Chapter 18). While most of the provisions already exist in Canadian law or were contemplated in CETA, some changes in Canada are likely needed. The chapter includes the details on the issues of trademarks, patents, pharmaceutical products, biologics, copyright, IP enforcement, border measures and ISPs.
Several of the side instruments also relate intellectual property including Geographic Indicators (Japan, Mexico, Chile, and Peru), Copyright (Japan), border enforcement (United States), Trademarks/Certification Marks (Vietnam).
Some commentary is linked below. Feel free to add your own commentary or provide further links in the comment section below:
- Kimberlee Weatherall, University of Sidney, Section by Section Commentary on Trademarks, Geographic Indicators and Designs; and Copyright.
- Government summary of Intellectual Property Chapter
- “Balsillie fears TPP could cost Canada billions and become worst-ever policy move”, CBC, November 8, 2015
- IPIC: “The Trans-Pacific Partnership: What Impact on Canada’s IP Laws?”, November 24, 2015
- Nathaniel Lipkus, “The TPP’s IP provisions put Canada on level ground“, Globe and Mail, November 12, 2015 [AM – Added Nov 12]