The Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) delivers intellectual property services in Canada and educates Canadians on how to use IP effectively. CIPO has many educational resources available to the public.
Intellectual Property Basics
Discover intellectual property – an online module explaining the different types of IP and the importance of an IP strategy
Plan for success – Build an IP strategy – an online module describing the steps and best practices involved in building an IP strategy
Intellectual property self-assessment – a 5-minute form generating a custom PDF guide with IP considerations specific to each person’s situation
Protecting your IP abroad – a webpage outlining the 9 steps towards protecting IP in a foreign market
Patents
According to CIPO, through a patent, the government gives an inventor the right to stop others from making, using or selling their invention from the day the patent is granted to a maximum of 20 years after the day on which the patent application was filed.
Patents – Learn the basics: an online module explaining what a patent is, which inventions are patentable, how patents can be a valuable business asset and the steps involved in filing a patent application.
File a Canadian patent application: Before you start: a series of webpages explaining everything to know about filing a patent before starting the process
Trademarks
According to CIPO, a trademark is a combination of letters, words, sounds or designs that distinguishes one company’s goods or services from those of others in the marketplace. A registered trademark is protected under law from misuse by others, giving exclusive rights to use to the registrant for a period of 10 years (renewable).
Trademarks – Learn the basics: an online module explaining what a trademark is, what can be registered as a trademark and the steps involved in filing a trademark application.
Trademarks Guide: a complete guide to what trademarks are, how they can benefit you and your organization, and why registration is important.
What about copyright, industrial design and trade secrets?
CPATA is the public interest regulator of patent agents and trademark agents. Copyright, industrial design and trade secrets are forms of intellectual property that fall outside the scope of our oversight. However, CIPO does have many resources available to provide information to the public on copyright and industrial designs.