How Your Patent Application is Processed

The Patent Branch will process your application according to the steps outlined below. We have featured the phases where you will be notified of the status of your application, including how and when you will be notified, and the associated fee, if any.

If you wish to have general information on patents, please call (819) 997-1936. If you have specific questions on a pending patent application, please contact the section processing your application at the numbers indicated.

Note: A great number of patent applicants are represented by a registered patent agent. Once an agent has been appointed, the Office will address all correspondence to the agent only. Enquiries concerning the various phases of prosecution should therefore be directed to the appointed agent.

The fee rates currently in force were implemented on January 1, 2004. The abbreviations SE or LE used in the "Fees" section indicate "small entity" and "large entity" respectively. For more detailed information on fees, please consult our Manual of Patent Office Practice (MOPOP) Chapter 25: Tariff of Fees.

The issuance of a patent gives you the right to stop others from manufacturing, using or selling your invention in Canada, beginning from the date of issue, up to a maximum period of 20 years from the date of filing of your application.

The length of time it takes to receive a patent varies. If it is filed correctly, approved without changes and no objections are raised, the processing time will be shorter. You can help by: filing correctly and by responding quickly to notices and correspondence from the Patent Office and by informing us of any change of address.

Please note that payments may be made by credit card (VISA, MasterCard or American Express), direct payment, deposit account, postal money order or cheque payable in Canadian dollars to the Receiver General for Canada. Do not add federal and provincial taxes.

To read about our service commitment to clients, visit the Patent Branch Client Service Commitment; and CIPO's Client Service Standards.

Prior to examination

1. Formalities
2. Classification
3. Public Availability

Maintenance fees & assignments

1. Maintenance Fees
2. Assignments

Examination

1. Request for Examination
2. Patent Appeal Board

After examination

1. Allowance
2. Grant