Professor Michael Geist appeared before the House of Commons to discuss knowledge transfers

On June 1st, Prof. Michael Geist appeared before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology. The Committee is currently conducting hearings on intellectual property and technology transfers.

Dr. Michael Geist provided a perspective that shifted away from encouraging greater university patenting and instead emphasized that the real goal should be knowledge transfer, not just tech transfer. He noted that knowledge transfer certainly incorporates tech transfer but it also includes research papers, data trials, educational materials, and highly qualified students and personnel. He also highlighted potential strategic reforms including emphasizing open access, crafting an anti-IP abuse statute, and expanding fair dealing with additional categories or adopting fair use provisions. The ensuing discussion touched on a wide range of issues, including patent and copyright trolls.

Dr. Michael Geist, a member of the Centre, is a Full Professor at the University of Ottawa’s Faculty of Law, where he holds the Canada Research Chair in Internet and E-commerce Law.

The opening comments of Michael Geist are available

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The audio recording of the hearing is available .