A Guide to Industrial Designs

Table of Contents

[PDF version 1.1MB]

Updated: February 2006
This is an HTML version of the existing guide. The guide includes minor web format changes, links to related web pages and contact information for the Client Service Centre.

This information is to be considered solely as a guide and should not be quoted as or considered to be a legal authority. It may become obsolete in whole or in part at any time without notice. Authority must be found in the Industrial Design Act, the Industrial Design Regulations, and in decisions of the courts interpreting them.

Introduction

• Purpose of this guide
• The Industrial Design Office
• Visit CIPO's website

The Basics

• What is an industrial design?
• Other forms of intellectual property

Registering Your Industrial Design

• When to file an application
• Why you should register
• Who can apply
• Before you file
• What you cannot register
• How long the process takes
• How long registration lasts
• Fees
• Getting help with your application
• Preparing your application
• The application form
• The title
• The description
• Drawings and photographs
• Variants
• More than one design

The Process

• Initial processing
• Classification
• Preliminary examination
• Search
• Examination
• Amendments
• Appeals
• Conflicts
• Requests for delayed registration
• Registration

Other Procedures

• Marking a product
• Enforcing your rights
• Marketing rights
• Assignments
• Licences
• Registration outside Canada
• Priority

For More Information

Tariff of Fees

Appendix A — Frequently asked questions

Appendix B — Industrial Design Forms [PDF]

Glossary