Finance committee  We looked at it in a number of ways. Obviously we wanted to make sure that there was a way of ring-fencing the community that had gained access to privilege and that there was then a robust governance around it. We did look at other models but self-governance was in line with oth

Finance committee  It's a mix. There's a code of conduct that does currently exist under IPIC, but this will actually regulate it and is in the process of being updated. There's also a transitionary period to allow for that creation.

Finance committee  Yes, by new people.

Finance committee  No. There is, however, a capacity and a requirement for them to file an annual report and for the minister to be able to seek specific information for them to address, including things such as fees or examination practices.

Finance committee  It was a fundamental preoccupation for us in the creation of the college. That's why the majority member model of the governance structure is not appointed from the profession itself, but appointed by the minister, to allow for that oversight body and a commitment to the public i

Finance committee  The flexibility was granted to the college to allow for a senior leadership model that was flexible in nature.

Finance committee  That's right.

Finance committee  I don't have the numbers for it. It exists now. These agents already exist. I would say there are thousands of patent and trademark agents in the country.

Finance committee  There are fewer than 10,000.

Finance committee  It's the same process, and it's roughly the same amount of time. Right now, however, it should be noted that there is no registry of trademark agents. Because you can pursue a trademark on your own without the need of a trademark agent, the commissioner of trademarks, who in th

Finance committee  There is a list, but it's not maintained by CIPO. Isn't that correct?

Finance committee  It is? Sorry, my bad.

Finance committee  No. We're just discussing whether or not you can prosecute it. You may be able to pursue it, but you can't prosecute it before the office.

Finance committee  Yes.

Finance committee  It doesn't take away the rights of an individual inventor to be able to pursue their patent, but the prosecution right still rests with agents.