Canada: Patent

The Canadian Intellectual Property Office has introduced a new pilot program offering accelerated patent examination for innovations in two critical areas. What technologies qualify for expedited processing, and how can patent applicants take advantage of this limited opportunity?

The Supreme Court of Canada has issued its most significant ruling on medical treatment patents in over fifty years, addressing whether dosing-regimen claims for schizophrenia medication constitute unpatentable methods of medical treatment. The 7-2 decision establishes a new framework for evaluating pharmaceutical patents, focusing on whether implementing the claimed invention requires professional medical skill and judgment. This landmark case provides crucial guidance for life sciences companies seeking p

The Canadian Intellectual Property Office has released findings from roundtable discussions with 53 small and medium-sized businesses across six cities, revealing significant challenges in protecting intellectual property. Business owners identified cost, slow timelines, complexity, and limited knowledge as major barriers to accessing IP protection in Canada. CIPO plans to use this feedback to shape its upcoming business strategy and has already initiated a review of its fee structure.