Prosecution

January 5, 2023
In a hospital room, a woman in a white lab looks at a computer monitor.

USPTO to Launch Cancer Moonshot Expedited Examination Pilot Program

Starting on February 1st, the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) will offer accelerated examination for patent applications aimed at preventing cancer and cancer mortality.
February 7, 2022
Photograph of the Peace Tower at the Canadian parliament buildings taken from the ground so that the clock peeks out from behind another building.

Considerations for Applicants Before the Canadian Patent Rules Change

Patent applicants may wish to request examination for their Canadian patent applications soon to take advantage of the fees under the current Patent Rules.
January 13, 2022
Researcher looking into a microscope in a laboratory.

Federal Court Allows Correction to Inventorship Amidst “Pending Litigation”

Some of the most common errors made in patent applications are in the naming of applicants and inventors. If the mistake is not caught in time, it can cause a nasty headache for the patent owner.
November 15, 2021
Photo of computer screen showing a code editor.

Landmark Graphics Benefits Again From PAB’s Post-Choueifaty Approach

2021 CACP 42: Cementing its post-Choueifaty approach to patentable subject-matter in Canada, the PAB found all claimed elements to be essential in the computer-implemented invention.
July 15, 2021
Lightbulbs in a row. Lightbulbs are illuminated, Edison-style glass bulbs.

Amendments to Patent Rules Continue: Further Streamlining Canadian Patent Prosecution

Proposed changes to Canada’s patent system include excess claim fees and limits on office actions which will lay the groundwork for patent term adjustments.
June 18, 2020
Photograph of a red hockey net on the ice of an outdoor skating rink.

Federal Court Clarifies the Admissibility of Patent Prosecution History

In a patent infringement case between two major ice skate manufacturers, the Federal Court clarified s. 53.1 and the admissibility of prosecution history.
November 2, 2018

Bill C-86 and Its Impact on Trademark and Patent Prosecution

Bill C-86 – The omnibus bill creates ambiguity in authorized representation before the Patent Office and the Office of the Registrar of Trade-marks.
July 24, 2018

FCA Affirms Patent Application is “Dead” Following Failure to Respond to Requisition

2018 FCA 36 - The Federal Court of Appeal upheld the Federal Court decision dismissing the application from the Governors of the University of Alberta and Alberta Health Services for judicial review of the Commissioner’s decisions refusing reinstatement of a patent application.
September 12, 2017
application

Federal Court Deems Patent Application “Dead” Following Failure to Respond to Requisition

2017 FC 402 - The FC dismissed the University of Alberta’s application for judicial review of three CIPO decisions, effectively refusing to declare the patent application in question in good standing following the failure of the original applicants to reply to a requisition and to apply to reinstate the application within the 12-month grace period.
August 15, 2017

Federal Court Rejects Bayer’s Request for Corrected Priority Date

2017 FC 178 - The FC dismissed a request by Bayer for judicial review of a Commissioner’s decision refusing to change the priority filing date for Bayer’s Canadian patent application, based on provisions in the Patent Act and Patent Rules relating to priority claims.
April 11, 2017

FC Determines Improper Priority Claims Are Not Untrue Material Allegations

2016 FC 320 - The FC found that many of the claims in Uponor’s patent were invalid, rejected the untrue material allegation argument and found that several of the remaining claims were infringed by Heatlink and Pexcor.
August 21, 2013

FC Clarifies “Duty of Candor” in Canadian Patent Prosecution Practice

Varco Canada Ltd. et al v. Pason Systems Inc. et al – 2013 FC 750 This action relates to the infringement of Varco’s Canadian Patent No. […]