Marketplace Framework Policy Branch

The Marketplace Framework Policy Branch is responsible for the development and coordination of policies, laws and regulations in the areas of corporate and insolvency law, foreign investment, competition, copyright, trade-marks and industrial design, patents, international intellectual property, traditional knowledge, and privacy and data protection. The development and coordination of these policies is a core function of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada. The Branch supports departmental and government priorities by ensuring that Canada's marketplace frameworks help promote competitive markets and instil consumer confidence.

The Branch achieves its objectives by:

  • assessing the need for legislative, regulatory and policy improvement;
  • monitoring domestic and international developments;
  • undertaking research and consulting with stakeholders;
  • facilitating the legislative process and working to enhance public and stakeholder understanding; and
  • participating in international discussions and negotiations in its areas of responsibility.

Directorates and Key priorities

The Branch has four directorates, the key priorities of which are described below.

  • The Copyright and Trade-mark Policy Directorate advises the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and senior departmental officials on copyright, trade-mark, and industrial design matters. Together with other interested federal departments, the directorate develops specific policy proposals and legislative initiatives in these areas. The directorate represents Canada's international property interests internationally.
  • The Investment, Insolvency, Competition and Corporate Policy Directorate is responsible for the legislative policy development and review of a number of Canada's business framework statutes in the insolvency and corporate law areas. The directorate conducts research and advises on competition and foreign investment policy. It also develops policy proposals and legislative initiatives to ensure that Canada's investment regime attracts foreign investments while protecting Canada's interests.
  • The Patent Policy Directorate advises senior departmental officials and the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development on patent policy, and together with other interested federal departments, develops specific policy proposals and legislative initiatives. The goal is to ensure that Canada's patent and trademark laws and supporting regulations are competitive and adapted to new technologies and market conditions.
  • The Strategy and Planning Directorate supports the development of medium-term policy covering the range of marketplace frameworks under the mandate of the branch. It advances research and stakeholder engagement to stay abreast of emerging issues and trends in the market, and to understand their implications for policy. It develops policy advice on Canada's international priorities in the area of intellectual property and other marketplace frameworks, including aboriginal interests in intellectual property (e.g. traditional knowledge), and represents Canada's intellectual property interests in international forums. It is also responsible for overseeing the corporate functioning of the branch.
  • The Privacy and Data Protection Policy Directorate is responsible for administering the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), Canada's private sector privacy law. This includes support to senior management and the Minister on government decision-making and policy development on matters of privacy and security for the online marketplace. It examines trends and marketplace developments in emerging technologies and innovative business practices and has an international leadership role in the development of global privacy and security policy in relation to the digital economy. The Directorate also administers and monitors the overall effectiveness of Canada's Anti-Spam Law (CASL). It is the national coordinating body for CASL and works the agencies responsible for enforcing CASL to promote awareness, educate consumers and businesses, and conduct research.

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