*Last updated: December 13, 2023
Introduction to Info Source
Info Source describes the programs and activities, and the information holdings related to programs and activities, of government institutions subject to the Access to Information Act to facilitate the right of access. It also provides individuals, including current and former employees of the Government of Canada, with relevant information to access personal information about themselves held by government institutions subject to the Privacy Act and to exercise their rights under the Privacy Act.
An index of institutions that are subject to the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act is available centrally.
The Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act assign overall responsibility to the President of Treasury Board (as the designated Minister) for the government-wide administration of the legislation.
Background
The Government of Canada enacted the College of Patent Agents and Trademark Agents Act (the CPATA Act) as part of the National Innovation Strategy. On June 28, 2021, the CPATA Act came into force and responsibility for licensure was officially transferred to CPATA.
CPATA reports to Parliament through the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development.
Responsibilities
As an independent regulator, CPATA protects the public interest by strengthening the competencies of patent agents and trademark agents, and building confidence in accessible, ethical and expert intellectual property services in Canada. Our commitment to supporting the rigour and sophistication of the profession plays an important part in driving innovation and stimulating Canada’s economic growth.
In accordance with the CPATA Act, Regulations, By-laws and Regulatory Objectives, the College is responsible for protecting the public interest by:
- Setting competence standards for the profession and administering entry requirements that address those standards;
- Implementing the Code of Professional Conduct established by the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry;
- Administering a fair and open process to respond to concerns about the competence or conduct of agents;
- Establishing expectations for liability insurance, continuing professional development, and pro bono requirements; and,
- Promoting innovation in the delivery of patent and trademark services.
Institutional programs and activities
Patent and Trademark Agent Records
Patent and Trademark Agent Records Personal Information Bank
- Description: This bank contains histories of persons eligible to register as a Patent or Trademark Agent before the CPATA. Contents include the registration document, copies of the registration certificates personal data such as education, work experience and other qualifications, examination results, and other related correspondence.
- Class of Individuals: The personal information relates to patent and/or trade-mark agents.
- Purpose: The bank is used to provide an official record of all persons eligible to register as Patent and Trademark
- Consistent Uses: Maintenance of active agents, used for registrations of Patent and Trademark
- Retention and Disposal Standards: These records are stored indefinitely since registration can be reactivated anytime.
- RDA Number: 97/002 and 2000/17
- Related Record Number: IC CIP 100 and IC CIP 105
- TBS Registration: 002113
- Bank Number: IC PPU 043