Glossary E - G

E

Embodiment: A thing in which something, as a soul, idea or principle, or type is embodied.
Embody: To make concrete by expression in perceptible form as in words, acts, institutions, or works of art.
European Patent Office (EPO): The European Patent Office (EPO) offers inventors a uniform application procedure which enables them to seek patent protection in up to 40 European countries.
Examination process: The process by which the office determines whether an application warrants a registration or a grant.

Federal Incorporation: Incorporation of a business at the federal level according to the Canada Business Corporations Act.
Final Action: Notification by the examiner that indicates this action is the final one. A final action may be appealed to the Commissioner of Patents, the Federal Court of Canada and to the Supreme Court of Canada.
Franchising: Franchising is a method of doing business where a company (sometimes even an individual) called a franchisor licenses its intellectual property (e.g. its trade-marks, trade secrets, know-how) usually along with its business methods to an individual called franchisee in exchange for a fee. This business method allows the franchisor to expand and distribute its products or services while giving the franchisee the opportunity to operate his/her own business.
Freelance searchers: Searchers who provide intellectual property searching services to the public in exchange for a fee.

Geographical indications: A geographical indication is an indication, which identifies that a wine or spirit originates from a territory where a quality, reputation or other characteristics of the wine or spirit is essentially attributable to its geographical origin. In Canada, geographical indications are also listed on the List of Geographical Indications kept by the Registrar of Trade-marks.
Grant (patents): Following the examination of a patent application a patent may be granted or refused. After a patent is granted, the patent owner has the right to exclude others from making, using and or selling an invention.