Commissioner of Patents proposes to advance the examination of patent applications related to green technology
The Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) is developing a new initiative that would expedite the examination of patent applications related to green technology.
This proposal to amend the Patent Rules is in line with the Government of Canada’s priorities on science and technology, supporting the growth of small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs), developing a clean energy economy and taking government action on global warming and capacity building.
Accelerating the prosecution of patent applications relating to environmental (green) technologies within the Canadian intellectual property system will foster investment and expedite commercialization of technologies that could help to resolve or mitigate environmental impacts or to conserve the natural environment and resources.
The Commissioner of Patents currently has the authority to expedite the examination of an application upon request and payment of a fee. The existing criteria in the Patent Rules would be expanded to provide a mechanism to accelerate the examination of patent applications relating to green technologies.
The proposed amendments will be recommended for publication in the Canada Gazette, Part I for a 30-day consultation period in the fall of 2010. CIPO is looking forward to receiving stakeholders’ submissions relating to the proposed amendments during that consultation period.
