Bill C-36, “An Act to enact the Protecting Privacy and Consumer Data Act, to amend the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act and to make amendments to other Acts” was introduced today to replace the privacy provisions of PIPEDA. The new Digital Safety Commission (from Bill C-34) would replace the Privacy Commisioner for enforcement. It includes provisions directed to consent (implied/explicit), de-identification/ anonymization, “automated decision systems”, scraping email addresses, and a requirement to delete personal information upon request.
Digital Safety
The government has introduced Bill C-34, the Safe Social Media Act, directed to “social media services” and artificial intelligence “chatbot services” and potential harms to children, as well as a “Digital Safety Commission”.
AI Strategy
The government has released its National Artificial Intelligence Strategy: “Trust makes adoption possible. Opportunity and sovereignty ensure adoption creates benefits for Canadians now and in the future.” Six pillars are described as “protect Canadians from the risks and harms of AI”, “strengthen multinational partnerships with trusted allies”, “power shared prosperity through Canadian institutions and companies”, “empower Canadians to participate in and benefit from AI”, “support globally competitive Canadian champions”, “build sovereign Canadian AI foundations in compute, data, talent, and infrastructure”. However, there are no mentions of copyright, or other intellectual property, amendments.
Geographic Indicators
The government announced a public engagement on “how to strengthen and modernize Canada’s geographical indications regime under the Trademarks Act.” A focus is on Indigenous engagement and potential additional categories, such as traditional crafts and industrial products. The engagement extends from May 28 to August 27, 2026 Continue reading Geographic Indicators
Judges’ Dinner
The annual Federal Court Judges’ Dinner is always a highlight of the IP litigation calendar. I’m looking forward to reconnecting with friends and colleagues in Ottawa. Let me know if you will be attending as well.
Patentable Subject Matter
CIPO has issued its preliminary determination on the Dusome remand following the Federal Court’s decision in Dusome v. Canada (Attorney General), 2025 FC 1809. My colleague Richard Mar has the following summary and context.
Appointments
Giuseppina D’Agostino, Associate Vice President Research and Full Professor of Law at York University – Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto, was appointed a Judge of the Federal Court. Appointments were also made today to the Ontario courts.
Appointments
François Joyal, Senior General Counsel at the Department of Justice Canada in Montréal, was appointed a Judge of the Federal Court. Appointments were also made today in Alberta and Ontario. Continue reading Appointments
Patentable Subject Matter
CIPO has published a practice notice with new guidance on purposive construction and subject-matter for examining patents directed to computer-implemented inventions, medical diagnostic methods and medical use claims. Continue reading Patentable Subject Matter
IP Consultation
The government has opened a public consultation on 1) client-agent privilege; 2) unauthorized practice before CIPO; 3) clarity of patent ownership information; and 4) requirements of patent demand letters. The consultation is open until April 24th.