As an update to our earlier post, we note that the Intellectual Property Institute of Canada, in its most recent bulletin, is estimating that the anticipated changes to Canada's intellectual property laws - including the overhaul of trademark laws under new Trademarks Regulations, as well as changes to the Patent Rules and Industrial Design Regulations will not begin until late 2016. This pushes the patent law changes into late 2017, with the trademark amendments to be implemented by early 2018.
The impact of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) on Canada's IP laws is still being assessed. If ratified in Canada, the TPP is expected to require further consequential amendments to Canadian laws - such as copyright term extensions.
Stay tuned.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.