Submit a request to get your patent application for green technology processed faster at no additional cost.
On this page:
Who can submit a request?
You can submit a request if the patent application relates to green technology that either helps resolve or mitigate environmental impacts or conserves the natural environment and resources.
Submit a request
To take advantage of the advanced examination process, submit a letter that includes:
- a request for an advanced examination
- a statement indicating that the application relates to technology that if commercialized would help to resolve or mitigate environmental impacts or to conserve the natural environment or natural resources
- an early laid open date
- only needed if the request is made before the application has been opened to public inspection (usually 18 months after the filing date)
Requests for advanced examination can be sent to CIPO by following the communication procedures found in chapter 2 of the Manual of Patent Office Practice.
After you submit a request
Once your request for advanced examination for a green technology is processed, a first office action can be expected within 3 months.
Canadian patent applications will be examined in accordance with the Patent Act and the Patent Rules.
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What is an office action?
An office action is the correspondence by a patent examiner to the applicant. It includes information regarding the patentability of the application (usually referred to as an examiner's report). On average, it takes roughly 13 months to issue the first office action. In a few instances, the first office action will be a notice of allowance (i.e. a notice informing the applicant that the invention is patentable).
Maintain the expeditiousness of the process
If you request time extensions to reply or abandon the prosecution process, your application will be removed from the expedited process and returned to the regular order.
Additional resources
- Canadian Patents Database (search for all filed and granted patents under the clean technologies expedited examination initiative)
- Steps involved in obtaining a patent grant in Canada
- WIPO GREEN