Competition Bureau Releases Intellectual Property Enforcement Guidelines

OTTAWA, September 21, 2000 — Following two thorough and successful consultation periods, the Competition Bureau today released its Intellectual Property Enforcement Guidelines.

The guidelines serve to promote transparency in the enforcement of the Competition Act in regard to business matters involving intellectual property issues. The guidelines explain how the Bureau determines whether conduct involving intellectual property raises an issue under the Competition Act. The guidelines also describe how the Bureau distinguishes between those circumstances that warrant a referral to the Attorney General for an examination under section 32 of the Competition Act, and those that warrant an examination under the general provisions.

Draft guidelines were released on June 11, 1999 and again on April 18, 2000 for comment. On both occasions, round-table discussions were held across Canada to gather the views of the Bureau's stakeholders. The final document incorporates the comments and suggestions that the Bureau received during both consultation periods.

For more information, please contact:

Cynthia Grant
819-994-0349