History of FICPI International
FICPI is a global community based on trusted relationships, which strengthens the practice of the independent IP attorney.
Founded more than 100 years ago, FICPI’s trusted global community has more than 5,000 members drawn from 80 countries and regions across six continents.
The Members of FICPI
FICPI’s members in their private practices serve clients which range from individuals and small businesses, to large multi-nationals, as well as universities, government and non-government bodies
How FICPI Benefits Members
The FICPI business family makes the world a little bit smaller, bringing independent IP attorneys from around the globe together to connect, share knowledge and grow.
FICPI uniquely combines education and advocacy on topics around patents and trade marks, with a focus on developing the professional excellence of the individual members.
FICPI is regularly consulted by the Canadian Intellectual Property Office to offer the views of the profession on matters of policy and provides a unique perspective in these policy consultations.
FICPI’s conferences, commissions and meetings are opportunities to gather insights from the international IP attorney community on practice-related issues and topics of patent, trade mark and industrial design law.
In addition, membership of the FICPI community creates shared business opportunities, rooted in the confidence of recommending any FICPI member in another country.
The selectivity of our membership makes it easier for members to create introductions, connections, business opportunities and friendships with each other.
About FICPI Canada
History and Structure of FICPI Canada
While the international organization (FICPI) was established in 1906, the Canadian Association (FICPI Canada) came into existence only in 1976. Prior to that date, FICPI had accepted Canadian members on an individual basis.
FICPI Canada is governed by its Constitution which requires the election of an Executive Council. At present, the Council consists of a President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, two Council members and the Past-President. These officers are elected for three-year terms.
FICPI Canada sends a Delegate and a Sub-Delegate to sit on the international Executive Committee (ExCo) of FICPI, giving Canadian members a voice in the decisions of the international group.
Serving Member Interests
FICPI Canada serves the interests of its members by:
- Informing and commenting on domestic and international legislation governing intellectual property (patents, trademarks, industrial designs, copyright, plant breeders’ rights, circuit topography protection, etc.)
- Sharing insights on business topics relevant to managers and owners of professional firms
- Providing training for new entrants to the profession
- Organizing meetings and seminars where members gather to discuss topics of interest and build relationships.
FICPI Canada and FICPI International
FICPI members are organized in National Associations or in Sections representing the more than 80 countries and regions represented in its global community.
National Associations, such as FICPI Canada, are autonomous organizations, with their own statutes, and are self-governing with respect to the admission of new members, who automatically become members of FICPI International.
Details of events hosted by FICPI International and FICPI Canada can be found HERE
More information on FICPI can be found at the international FICPI About page.
Current Council Members
- President – Louis-Pierre Gravelle – View Profile / Send Email
- Vice-President S. Serge Shahinian – View Profile / Send Email
- Secretary Anil Bhole – View Profile / Send Email
- Treasurer Anna Wilkinson – Send Email
- Councilor Sanjukta Tole – Send Email
- Webmaster Anil Bhole – View Profile / Send Email