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, copyright, patents and trade-marks, international intellectual property, traditional knowledge and policies as they relate to internal trade. The development and coordination of these policies is a core function of Industry 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 International Intellectual Property Policy Directorate advises the Minister of Industry and senior departmental officials on copyright and international intellectual property matters other than patents, and together with other interested federal departments, develops specific policy proposals and legislative initiatives in these areas. The directorate represents Canada's international property interests internationally. It also works with Aboriginal communities to develop policy based on Traditional Knowledge.
  • The Corporate and Insolvency Law Policy and Internal Trade 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, and policies as they relate to the Agreement on Internal Trade with the provinces and territories. The directorate also performs research and provides recommendations on policy alternatives to enhance internal trade.
  • The International Investment Policy and Branch Planning Directorate conducts research and advises on foreign investment policy. The directorate develops policy proposals and legislative initiatives to ensure that Canada's investment regime attracts foreign investments while protecting Canada's interests.
  • The Patent and Trade-mark Policy Directorate advises senior departmental officials and the Minister of Industry on patent and trade-mark 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.

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