Emergency Procedures
In case of an emergency, CIPO will endeavour to remain open for business
and ensure that essential service to our clients continues with the least
possible disruption or delay. In view of the date-sensitive nature of intellectual
property (IP), clients are always advised to address important deadlines ahead
of time to minimize the risk of affecting their IP rights. For the purposes of
such deadlines, unless otherwise notified, clients should assume that all due
dates remain in effect. See Correspondence
Procedures for additional information.
Whenever CIPO is closed for business, including closures due to extraordinary
circumstances, CIPO considers all time limits to be extended until the next
day that it is open for business. In such situations, mail delivered to CIPO
or to the designated regional
offices will be considered to be received on the
date that CIPO re-opens for business, with the exception of correspondence
addressed to the Registrar of Topographies.
There may also be instances in which the designated regional offices may
be temporarily closed, yet CIPO remains open for business. In such situations,
it remains the responsibility of CIPO's clients to ensure that all deadlines
are respected. Clients are strongly encouraged to send date-sensitive material
through Canada Post by registered mail or on-line via our Web site. Documents
may continue to be faxed to CIPO at (819) 953-CIPO (953-2476). However,
date-sensitive material requiring fee payment that is sent by fax must be
accompanied by a VISA/MasterCard/American Express or deposit account number.
When possible, information and search systems will continue to be available
on our Web site; however, services provided through the Client Service Centre
and other support areas within CIPO may be temporarily unavailable. Should an
emergency occur, CIPO will post information on our Welcome
page as it becomes available and as circumstances permit.
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