Last Updated on Friday, 12 March 2010 11:20 Written by Administrator Thursday, 29 October 2009 14:28

Tom Boyd, Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) - Intellectual Property and How to Protect It

We all know how to protect our valuables such as jewelry, contents in our homes, our vehicles through insurance policies or lock and key - but how do we protect our ideas?

The law that deals with protecting our ideas is known as Intellectual Property. What does intellectual property protect?

It can protect your original ideas such as new technology, creations such as musical or literary works, patterns and designs, symbols, slogans, microchips or a new breed of plants. All of these forms of Intellectual Property fall under different Acts, namely: Patent, Copyright, Industrial Design, Trademark, Integrated Circuit Topography and Plant Breeder's rights. All of the intellectual property mentioned above are filed with the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) with the exception of Plant Breeder's rights which is filed with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).

Remember, it is up to you to police your intellectual property protection. Should you suspect that someone is infringing on your patent, trade-mark, or copyright, without your permission in a country where protection has been granted to you, you may sue for damages in court.

If you are have questions about filing a patent, copyright issues or need clarification about what intellectual property legislation might apply to your business idea, contact us. One of our business information officers will be pleased to talk with you and provide you with information or refer you to an appropriate agency. We have application forms and supporting material on site in our office. A wealth of information in our resource library will provide additional information about patents, taking products to market, technology commercialization and much more!

Patents

• Patents
  Patents are granted under three different criteria: novelty, utility and ingenuity. The invention must be new - first invented in the world and not made public more than one year before applying for the patent. It must also have a useful function.
• Patents-FAQ
• Canadian Patents Database

Copyrights

• Copyrights
  Copyrights give you exclusive rights to reproduce original works such as: books, plays, films, CD's, songs, paintings, computer programs and televison programs.

Trademarks

• Trade-marks
  Trademarks protect a symbol, design, or trade name such as "Nike" or "Coca Cola".

Industrial Design

• Industrial Designs
  A shape, pattern, or ornamentation can be registered as an industrial design providing it will be used in mass production (50 or more).

Plant Breeder's Rights

• Plant Breeder's Rights (Canadian Food Inspection Agency)
  Gives you exclusive rights to new varieties of some plant species.

Integrated Circuit Topography

• Integrated Circuit Topographies
  A series of layers that make up a microchip or a semiconductor chip.

Information for Innovators

• Can You Make Money With Your Idea or Invention?
  This fact sheet, aimed at idea people, inventors, and innovative owner-managers of small companies, describes the tests every idea must pass before it makes money.
• Product Licensing
  This fact sheet provides information on product licensing.
• Critical Assessment Factors for New Products
  This fact sheet provides a list of factors to consider if you are either inventing a new product or considering developing a new product to add to your existing product lines.
• Canadian Innovation Centre
  Canadian Innovation Centre offers assessment services for new products at an affordable rate.
• World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)
  This site takes a close look at intellectual property (IP) from the perspective of SMEs and analyzes the possibilities offered by the IP system for improving their performance and competitiveness.
• Guides for Presenting Ideas to Investors
• Evaluating Invention Promotion Firms

A Network of Partners

The Business Link has a network of agencies and partners across Canada. This includes innovation centres, provincial research organizations, industrial associations, universities and federal and provincial agencies who can help you learn more about intellectual property and innovation issues and resources.

• Canadian Intellectual Property Office
  Responsible for the administration and processing of patents, copyrights, trademarks, industrial design, and integrated circuit topography in Canada.
• Patent Agents List
  The Canadian Intellectual Property Office provides a list of certified patent agents who can assist you in processing your patent application.
• National Research Council
• Alberta Research Council

Other Sources of Information

• Government Programs and Services Database
  Search various categories of business-oriented programs, services and some regulations of the provincial and federal government departments and other organizations that are partners in the Canada Business Service Centres and The Business Link Business Service Centre.
• Innovation Links
  These links will transfer you to sites operated by various government departments/agencies and private sector organizations and companies providing information on this topic.
• The Business Link's Search Engine
  Search our entire site by keyword.
• The Business Link's Business Officers
  Our business experts are always ready to discuss your business needs in confidence.
• Library Pathfinders
  Our pathfinders provide a quick reference of The Business Link's library materials available on this topic and many others.