A Guide to Integrated Circuit Topographies (Page 3 of 4)

Getting Started

Preparing an ICT registration application

Application form

Instructions for completing an application form can be found on the CIPO website (www.cipo.ic.gc.ca/ict).

When filling out the application, you must include the following information:

title(s) of topography;
date and location of first commercial exploitation;
name and street address of applicant;
applicant's interest in the topography;
a description of the nature or function of the topography; and
where the applicant has no office or place of business in Canada, the name and address of a representative for service.

In addition, you must submit a complete set of overlay sheets, drawings or photographs of the topography. Under certain conditions, some confidential information can be omitted from the drawings or photographs of the topography.

Fees

A fee must accompany your application to register an ICT. Payment may be made by credit card (VISA, MasterCard or American Express), direct payment, deposit account, postal money order, or cheque payable in Canadian dollars to the Receiver General for Canada. Do not add federal and provincial taxes.

Details about fees are available on the CIPO website (www.cipo.ic.gc.ca) or you may contact the Client Service Centre.

Completed applications

You may download the application form from the website (www.cipo.ic.gc.ca/ict), then send your completed application by mail to the address below.

Corresponding with the Office of the Registrar of Topographies

Business with the Office of the Registrar of Topographies is normally done in writing. Address all correspondence to:

Office of the Registrar of Topographies
Canadian Intellectual Property Office
Industry Canada
Place du Portage I
Room C-114
50 Victoria Street
Gatineau QC K1A 0C9
Fax: 819-953-CIPO (2476)

More information about CIPO's official correspondence procedures is available on the CIPO website (www.cipo.ic.gc.ca/ict).

If you are enquiring about the status of your pending registration application, include the application number, your name and the title of the topography. If you have hired an agent, you should conduct all correspondence through that agent.

Applicants and agents are welcome to meet with CIPO officers to discuss their applications; however, the latter will discuss only the formal requirements related to the application at hand — legal advice and related rights in ICTs must be discussed with legal professionals.

The Office of the Registrar of Topographies will respond to all general enquiries, but cannot:

advise you whether to file an application;
tell you whether your design meets registration criteria prior to your filing an application;
advise you about possible infringement of an ICT; or
act in any way as an interpreter of ICT law or as an adviser, other than in matters directly related to the processing of your application.

Electronic Services

Our electronic service delivery allows you to:

pay various fees; and
exchange correspondence.

In order to complete these services online, simply visit the CIPO website (www.cipo.ic.gc.ca/ict), then fill out and send the appropriate form.