ARCHIVED — Patent Branch to begin consultation on MOPOP Chapter 14: Unity of Invention

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February 7, 2011

As part of the ongoing regular process of updating the Manual of Patent Office Practice (MOPOP), the draft revised Chapter 14: Unity of Invention is being released for public consultation today, February 7, 2011.

Stakeholders will have the opportunity to provide comments on the draft chapter from February 7, 2011 to April 7, 2011.

Chapter 14 deals with the requirements for unity of invention and for the filing of divisional applications. The chapter has been revised to reinforce that Canadian standards for unity of invention are equivalent to standards under the PCT, to clarify the dispute resolution mechanism in the case of an impasse regarding unity of invention, and to provide specific guidance to ensure a more consistent and predictable application of the correct standards.

The MOPOP is published to provide patent examiners, applicants, agents, and the public in general with a guide on the procedures and practices relevant to the prosecution of patent applications in Canada under the current Patent Act and Patent Rules. This Manual is to be considered solely as a guide and should not be quoted as an authority. Authority must be found in the Patent Act, the Patent Rules, and in decisions of the Courts interpreting them.

Should you have any questions about this consultation, please send them by email to Chris Evans, by fax at 819-994-1989, or by regular mail to the following address:

  • Canadian Intellectual Property Office
  • Patent Branch
  • 50 Victoria Street,
  • Place du Portage II
  • Gatineau, QC K1A 0C9
  • Attention: Chris Evans