Message from the Chair of the Expert Panel on Intellectual Property

This report would not be possible without the countless hours of work by dedicated professionals who share a commitment to evidence-based public policy and a desire to see Ontario prosper in the 21st century economy of ideas. From the first online survey through province-wide in-person consultations, to the final analysis of data collected and thepreparation of the final report, the talented staff of the Government of Ontario lent their expertise and resources so we could fulfill this Panel’s mandate.

The Secretariat at the Ministry of Colleges and Universities, and the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade provided critical administrative and strategic support and guidance. All Ontarians should be encouraged at the level of professionalism and enthusiasm that exist within these two ministries, especially for creating strategies that will make Ontario a prosperous province for decades to come.

I am also grateful that Premier Ford, and Ministers Romano and Fedeli recognized the transformative potential that the commercialization of (IP) has on Ontario’s current and future prosperity. IP is, by definition, a government-granted exclusive ownership right to an idea, and continued leadership from the Government of Ontario is critical to the success of these recommendations.

The Expert Panel on IP brought together recognized experts in IP law, innovation ecosystems, IP education and the commercialization of ideas. Their contributions to this project have advanced my own understanding of these topics and I am confident the readers of the report will be equally stimulated and enlightened.

On behalf of the Expert Panel on IP, I thank the Government of Ontario for giving us the opportunity to contribute to its prosperity strategy.

Sincerely,

Jim Balsillie
Chair – Expert Panel on Intellectual Property