Monthly Minute | Design Patents
On July 7, 2025, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (“USPTO”) announced that, starting July 8, 2025, the Office will be increasing the number of prioritized patent examination requests that may be accepted from...more
Recently, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office announced that they have completed a comprehensive patent fee review, concluding that fees must go up—some of them significantly. This is primarily due to the discounts provided...more
On March 6, the USPTO announced a new Green Energy Category of its Patents for Humanity Program. Patents for Humanity is an awards competition that recognizes innovators who use technology to meet global humanitarian...more
On December 22, 2022, the US Patent & Trademark Office (PTO) announced the fifth extension of the Modified COVID-19 Prioritized Examination Pilot Program. The pilot program had been set to terminate on December 31, 2022, and...more
Canadian Patent Examination - Significant fee increases will be effective at the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (“CIPO”) on October 3, 2022 related to excess claims (claims over 20) and the number of examination...more
Due within 5 years of international filing date or within 2-months of issuance of a Direction to Request Examination, whichever is earliest (additional $1800). Excess fees of $125 for each claim over 20 are payable at...more
The Patent Law Treaty (PLT), administered by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), was adopted on May 31, 2000, with the aim of harmonizing and streamlining formal procedures with respect to patent applications...more
Recently, the government of Canada published the final version of the new Patent Rules (SOR/2019-251) in Canada Gazette, Part II on July 10, 2019. The new Rules and associated amendments to the Patent Act will come into force...more