A Guide to Patents — Table of Contents

A Guide To Patents (PDF - 5 MB - 40 pages)

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Part I

• Understanding Patents – The Basics
  • Purpose of this guide
  • Who we are
  • Visit CIPO's Website
    • Wealth of technical know-how
  • General enquiries
  • Patents fuel progress
  • What is a patent?
  • Trade secrets
  • What can you patent?
  • Is your invention patentable?
  • When to apply for a patent
  • What to consider before filing an application
    • Your research and development partner
    • The preliminary search
    • Searching the Canadian Patents Database online
    • Searching at the Patent Office
    • Consider using a registered patent agent

Part II

• Patents – Getting Started
  • Preparing a patent application
    • Abstract, specification and drawings
    • Assisting your patent agent
  • Filing your application
  • Requesting examination
    • Filing prior art and protests
    • Advanced examination
  • What to do if your claim is rejected
    • Responding to the examiner's objections
    • Helping your agent with amendments
    • Reconsideration by the examiner
  • Appeals process
  • Additional considerations
    • Re-examination of a granted patent
    • Reissue and disclaimer
  • Patent protection
    • Infringement
    • Protection before grant
    • Patent marking and "patent pending"
  • Fees
    • Small entity
    • Definition of "small entity"
    • Small entity declaration
    • Maintenance fees
  • Corresponding with the Patent Office
  • Electronic services
    • Services available for national (non-PCT) applications only

Part III

• Patent Information – Beyond the Basics
  • Applying for a patent outside Canada
  • Convention priority
  • The Patent Cooperation Treaty
  • Marketing and licensing
    • Marketing your invention
    • Help with marketing
    • Abuse of patent rights
  • Financial assistance
  • Websites of interest

Appendix A - Format of the Application

Appendix B - Filing an Application

Appendix C - Small Entity Declaration

Glossary

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