Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Diversity at PCK Intellectual Property

At PCK Intellectual Property (“PCK”), we are dedicated to creating and maintaining an inclusive environment where everyone’s individuality is valued. We maximize efforts to integrate diversity into all areas of our practice, from how we serve clients to how we recruit and collaborate as a team.

Our strategy focuses on these core goals: advancing equality and inclusivity, celebrating differences, and fostering inclusive leadership. We believe diverse teams bring a wider range of perspectives, helping us deliver better IP solutions for our clients.

Our Commitment

PCK is committed to promoting equity and inclusion both within our firm and in the communities we serve. We are proud to provide ongoing support through initiatives like our Diversity Scholarship Program, which offers financial assistance and professional opportunities to underrepresented students allowing them to thrive and contribute to the future of IP.

Apply for Our Diversity Scholarship Program

Scholarship Program

Through our annual Diversity Scholarship, PCK supports students from Black, African, Caribbean, and Indigenous communities by offering financial aid and mentorship opportunities. This program reflects our commitment to fostering equal opportunities and empowering future leaders in the IP industry.

PCK is launching three Ontario diversity initiatives that have been developed in collaboration with Roots Community Services. They all share the goal of relieving hardship or economic disadvantage to attempt to achieve equal opportunity. One of the initiatives is an annual scholarship for university students. We may also offer a regular “open-house” program, where professionals in the firm will provide educational sessions on intellectual property to disadvantaged youth, based on the IPO IP Patch program. Also, there may be an opportunity for a paid summer internship for a University student. These initiatives are specifically designed to support disadvantaged groups including Black and Indigenous youth.

As stated in the final LSO report, Strategies to Address Issues of Systemic Racism in the Legal Professions, “The Law Society works to ensure that the law and the practice of law are reflective of all the people of Ontario, including Indigenous peoples, Francophones and equality-seeking communities.”

We raise a challenge to all of our peers in the legal industry to implement their own programs. If we all work together in this way, we can make a difference.

Scholarship Details and Application Process

The successful applicant will receive a $2,000 scholarship.

Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:

• Be enrolled part-time or full-time, or have received acceptance, in a science or engineering program at an accredited Ontario college or university

• Identify as Black, African, Caribbean, or Indigenous

• Be up to age 30 and residing in the Greater Toronto Area

• Clearly demonstrate financial need

Application Requirements
Students must submit:

• A high school and/or college or university transcript

• A 300 to 400 word essay on one of the following topics:

◦ A brief history of a Black, African, Caribbean, or Indigenous inventor, including reference to any patents if applicable

◦ An overview of the intellectual property system, how it impacts racialized communities, and how it could be improved to better support them

• A résumé and cover letter outlining:
◦ Awards and achievements

◦ Extra-curricular and community involvement

◦ Explanation of financial need

• One professional letter of recommendation

Deadline and Submission
Applications must be submitted to scholarships@rootscs.org no later than March 31, 2026. The selected applicant will be notified by phone and email by May 1, 2026.

2025 Scholarship Recipient

PCK is pleased to recognize Ruth Alemayehu as the 2025 recipient of the PCK Diversity Scholarship. Ruth completed her HBSc in Neuroscience (Specialist) and Biology for Health Science (Major) and is an incoming MSc candidate at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health at the University of Toronto. She has also contributed to her community through her work as a Data Intelligence Intern with Toronto Community Housing and as a Research Assistant at the University of Toronto.

PCK is proud to support Ruth and wishes her continued success as she advances her studies and career.

Diversity Initiatives

PCK unconditionally supports the Black Lives Matter movement and all peaceful protesters who have been expressing the sorrow, grief and outrage at the violent deaths of George Floyd, Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown, Breonna Taylor and, closer to home in Greater Toronto, D’Andre Campbell and Regis Korchinski-Paquet.

These deaths raise troubling questions about whether our legal system functions more as a tool of suppression than as an institution that supports the rule of law and equal treatment for all its citizens.