CIPO Replaces EPO as International Searching Authority and International Preliminary Examining Authority

Please be advised that as of July 26, 2004, the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) has replaced the European Patent Office (EPO) as the competent International Searching Authority and International Preliminary Examining Authority. This decision applies to all Patent Cooperation Treaty international applications filed on or after July 26 by Canadian applicants with the Canadian receiving Office or the International Bureau of the World Intellectual Property Organisation as receiving Office.

All such applications that were filed prior to July 26, 2004 will continue to have the international search and, where applicable, the international preliminary examination conducted by EPO.

Please ensure that your submissions of documents and/or payment of fees are made accordingly to either CIPO or EPO.