Canadian Patents Database

The Canadian Patents Database lets you access patent bibliographic data, descriptions and drawings from 1869 to the present time. You can search, retrieve and consult more than 1.5 million patent documents. The pages may be viewed online or downloaded in PDF*. This database is updated weekly with newly granted patents and documents open for public inspection.

Summary

Benefit to Canadians

This free online database contains up to date information in every field of technology. Did you know that 90% of patents issued today are improvements to existing inventions? Before spending on research and development, entrepreneurs can avoid duplication of efforts by searching for innovators already active in the field. Canadians can explore new business opportunities through partnership or licencing opportunities, gather intelligence on competitors, and identify trends in the sector.

Searching

Search the database to see if your invention already exists, before you file an application, before you invest in new R & D or just for fun.

Establishing your search criteria can be a challenge. The database has several search options such as classification, title, keyword or date. As well, the index may not contain the word you are looking for, e.g. a "shovel" may be referred to as "implement for moving earth". You have to try different ways to access the data you are looking for.

There are help files on the database to assist you in choosing the options. A professional searcher can also help you perform an in-depth search.

Data for sale

If you are interested in purchasing any of the data, please contact the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) Client Service Centre.

Assistance provided

• Help files are accessed using the help button on the database
• Client Service Centre
• Canadian Intellectual Property Office Web Site

Viewing Publications in Adobe Acrobat Format: To download publications in PDF format, Adobe Reader is required (available free of charge).

Ontario Contact(s):
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