Canada launched its Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) program a decade ago with the goal of fast-tracking patent examination and improving patent quality. Since its introduction, the program has been an enormous success and offers numerous benefits to applicants. Data published by the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) on the use of the program suggests that applicants who have used the program have seen their applications examined sooner and have encountered fewer office actions. The success of the program has resulted in foreign patent office participation being extended. For example, CIPO recently announced that it has extended the program with the European Patent Office for a period of three years.
Combined with the absence of a government fee for participating in the program, using the PPH program in Canada can be exceptionally fast and cost-effective.
The preceding is intended as a timely update on Canadian intellectual property and technology law. The content is informational only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. To obtain such advice, please communicate with our offices directly.