PCK News

January 23, 2025

Elevate Your IP Strategy with Communitech’s ElevateIP Program

Communitech’s ElevateIP program provides financial support to Canadian startups to build and manage intellectual property portfolios. Funding can be used for IP strategy development, patent and trademark filings, and commercialization efforts, empowering businesses to drive innovation and unlock growth. Apply now.
December 19, 2024
black and white clock

Understanding Canada’s Patent Term Adjustment Framework

Effective January 1, 2025, Canada’s Patent Term Adjustment (PTA) framework compensates patentees for unreasonable delays in patent issuance by the Patent Office. The PTA grants additional term protection, calculated based on delays beyond prescribed timelines, for applications filed on or after December 1, 2020.
December 13, 2024

CIPO Announces Pilot Project for Registrar-Initiated Summary Cancellation Proceedings of Registered Trademarks

Starting January 2025, Trademark owners in Canada are now subject to a new CIPO pilot project where the Registrar may issue Section 45 notices, requiring proof of use for trademarks registered over three years. Ensure your trademarks are protected by maintaining proper records of use.
December 4, 2024

CIPO Trademark Fee Increases Effective January 1, 2025: Key Updates

The Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) will implement its annual inflation-adjusted fee increases for trademarks under the Service Fees Act. The increase is 4.4%, across the board.
November 29, 2024

Trademark Scam Circulating – CPATA Advises Public Caution

North American businesses are the target of a new trademark phishing scam, prompting a detailed warning from the College of Patent Agents and Trademark Agents (CPATA). To stay protected, always verify the source and avoid responding to suspicious correspondence.
November 22, 2024

USPTO Patent Fee Increases Effective January 19, 2025: What You Need to Know

The USPTO has announced significant changes to its patent fee structure, effective January 19, 2025. Stay ahead by planning strategically to manage costs and filings effectively.
November 11, 2024

European Patent Office Boards of Appeal Issues Notable Decision on Machine Learning and Patentability

A recent EPO decision on machine learning patents emphasizes the need for detailed technical disclosures, clarifying standards for inventors aiming to secure patent protection for AI innovations.
October 24, 2024
close up of building and blue sky

Building on Innovation: Expanded Industrial Design Protection for Buildings and Structures in Canada

A recent shift in industrial design examination practice introduces new opportunities for architects and developers to protect their architectural designs.
October 17, 2024

Who Owns SUPER HEROES? Why Marvel and DC were Stripped of their Generic Trademarks

Marvel and DC lose ownership of 'super hero' trademarks as USPTO rules the term generic, in the public domain and not exclusive to comic giants.
October 8, 2024

Defining Goods and Services in Canadian Trademark Applications: Requirements and Tips for Applicants

Defining goods and services in Canadian trademark applications requires precision. This guide covers key requirements from the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO), including using "ordinary commercial terms" and avoiding vague language. By following CIPO’s guidelines and utilizing their Pre-Approved List, applicants can expedite examination, reduce costs, and avoid common issues with trademark applications.
September 19, 2024
Headshot of CEO, Andrew T. Currier

CPATA: Reflections and Updates from an Elected Director, Andrew Currier

Andrew Currier, CPATA Elected Director, reflects on recent developments in Canada's IP landscape, covering board transitions, regulatory updates and more!
May 13, 2024
Photograph of student from behind. Student is wearing academic cap at a graduation ceremony.

Ruth Abdi Awarded PCK’s 2023 Diversity Scholarship

A second-year student majoring in immunology is this year's winner of the PCK Diversity Scholarship for students in science or engineering.
September 5, 2023
Kristjan Spence, a registered US and Canadian patent agent

Join PCK’s Kris Spence for a Discussion on Patent Strategies in the AI Era

On September 12, 2023, PCK’s Kris Spence will moderate a panel of patent experts to share insights and shed light on IP strategies for AI inventions.
April 18, 2022
Photograph of a student holding a diploma at a graduation ceremony

Hodan Mohamud Awarded PCK’s 2022 Diversity Scholarship

A first year medical student at the University of Toronto is this year's winner of the PCK Diversity Scholarship for students in science or engineering.
March 24, 2022
Headshot of CEO, Andrew T. Currier

Support Andrew Currier for CPATA Board of Directors

The College of Patent and Trademark Agents (CPATA) will hold its Board elections from April 11, 2022 to April 14, 2022.
October 27, 2021
Aerial view of a skyscraper in downtown Hangzhou, Zhejiang’s largest city.

Audience of Ten Thousand Tunes into Andrew Currier’s IP Lecture

Andrew was invited to speak about Corporate IP Strategy and Practical Business as part of the Zhejiang High-Level IP Training Program.
September 21, 2021
A mentor teaching an intern about computer software

PCK Announces Completion of Inaugural Diversity Internship, Awards Scholarship

The winner of PCK's first internship and scholarship is Rashad James, a student at Western University in Ontario, Canada.
October 19, 2020
Headshot of CEO, Andrew T. Currier

PCK’s Andrew Currier Receives Entrepreneurial Achievement Award

Andrew T. Currier has been honoured by his alma mater, Kettering University, as this year's recipient of the Entrepreneurial Achievement Award.
January 30, 2020
Photo of patent experts, Andrew Currier and Stephen Perry.

PCK’s Stephen Perry, Andrew Currier Ranked Among Top Patent Experts

PCK's Stephen Perry and Andrew Currier were recently ranked among the top patent experts in Canada by Who's Who Legal (WWL).
December 5, 2019
Photo of PCK's Andrew Currier and Jillian Carter with youth participants and organizers at the IP workshop for Roots Community Services in Brampton Ontario

PCK Presents IP Workshop to Brampton Youth

PCK's Andrew Currier and Jillian Carter had the pleasure of presenting a workshop on intellectual property law for Roots Community Services in Brampton.