Blog

January 10, 2024
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Appeal Board Weighs in on Patentability of Software Subject Matter

2023 CACP 23: Hot on the heels of the recent Benjamin Moore decision, Canada's Patent Appeal Board has considered the patentability of a computer-implemented invention.
November 27, 2023
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5 Key Steps to Optimize Your IP Strategy and Acquire Government Funding

New government programs can enhance your strategic approach to IP. Here are some recommendations on how to prepare your corporation for government funding.
November 16, 2023
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Will the Third Time Be the Charm in This Design Patent Saga?

Fed. Cir. No. 2021-2299, 2021-2338: This is the second time the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit has reversed a finding of infringement and sent the design patent back to lower courts.
November 14, 2023
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ElevateIP Canada: Dynamic Funding Opportunity for Intellectual Property (IP)

PCK is partnering with local innovation hub Communitech on a federally funded IP program called ElevateIP, launching on November 23, 2023.
November 8, 2023
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Maximizing the Value of Your Intellectual Property Through Federal Programs

Through the IP Assist program, SMEs can gain access to a range of resources to help enhance the value of innovations and accelerate commercialization goals.
October 19, 2023
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Subscribe to Andrew Currier’s “Unofficial” CPATA Director Update Mailing List

Andrew Currier: I received feedback from many licensees that they would like more regular updates. I am happy to do so, but my current list is outdated.
October 17, 2023
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To Claim (Broadly), or Not to Claim? The Double-Edged Sword of Patents

Fed. Cir. 2022-1387, 2022-1492: In a recent decision, the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit cautioned patent holders against broadening amendments.
October 10, 2023
Headshot of CEO, Andrew T. Currier

Patent & Trademark Agent Regulation in Canada: My Update as an Elected CPATA Director

I am now halfway into my three-year term as an Elected Director to the CPATA Board. I’d like to begin by thanking the licensees...
October 4, 2023
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Filing Patent Applications in Canada: The Untapped Key to Success

Historically, and apparently still, many companies decide to forgo filing in Canada. We believe that it is time to revisit this analysis.
September 28, 2023
Photograph of a young woman sitting on a blue chair and typing on an MacBook in her lap. Her MacBook is covered with tech-related stickers.

Intellectual Property (IP) Strategy for Entrepreneurs and Technology Graduates

Starting a business can be an exciting endeavour, but many early-stage entrepreneurs overlook the importance of IP in the success of a startup.
September 27, 2023
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Navigating the 2024 Fee Increases for Canadian Patents and Trademarks

On January 1, 2024, the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) will implement a 25% increase in most government fees for patents and trademarks.
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.
August 30, 2023
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US Court Rules That Free Samples Don’t Count Towards Commercial Success

Fed. Cir. 2021-2063, 2021-2065: Sales of a product can be used to prove the inventiveness of a patent, but a US court warns that free samples are not relevant to patentability.
August 17, 2023
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The Importance of Having an Intellectual Property (IP) Strategy

By integrating intellectual property into their growth strategy, Canadian businesses can position themselves for long-term success.
August 14, 2023

Back to the Motherboard: Still No Clear Test for Software Patent Subject Matter

2023 FCA 168: In its long-awaited decision, the FCA reiterated the importance of judicial minimalism and rejected a structured analytical framework.
August 8, 2023
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Can AI Be an Inventor? Redux

While previous discussions have mostly disagreed that AI can be an inventor, generative AI is likely to have a wide impact on the patent system.
July 31, 2023
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Canada Introduces Patent Term Adjustment for the First Time

Bill C-47: Before CUSMA replaced NAFTA, Canada did not provide compensation to patent owners for delays in the processing of a patent application.
July 13, 2023
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U.S. Supreme Court’s Ruff Take on a Trademark Parody

US Supreme Court, No. 22-148: Parodies are generally immune from trademark infringement, but how much can you spoof? Jack Daniels hounded a dog toy company for making a copycat toy.
June 19, 2023
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Three Factors for Protecting Canadian Innovation

Canadians are recognized as strong innovators and entrepreneurs, and yet we are also seen as laggards when it comes to protecting intellectual property (IP).
June 1, 2023
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Preserving the Patent Bargain: U.S. Supreme Court Limits Amgen’s Monopoly

No. 21-757 (Supreme Court May 18, 2023) The Supreme Court of the United States applied bargain theory in its long-awaited decision regarding the enablement requirement of the Patent Act.