Useful and Non-Obvious News – Spring / 15
By Adam Mizera
Recent Improvements to the Canadian Patents Database
Since June 15, 2015, the Canadian Patents Database (CPD) has a more user-friendly interface and an expanded library of patent-specific documents. These include the prosecution history of all published patent applications and granted patents. Visit the Improved CPD webpage.
First Patent Financing Program Rises from Its Ashes in Quebec
During an International Forum on Intellectual Property in Montreal, last April 16, a representative of the Government of Quebec confirmed that a First Patent program would be launched in the upcoming weeks. This financing program had been announced by the previous government in 2013 (see our previous article on the subject), but had unfortunately never been put in place until now. The program aims to give financial support to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) when seeking intellectual property protection, particularly through patents. With this program, the Quebec government aims to incite SMEs to take concrete steps to protect their innovations and thus accelerate commercialization.
No details have been given on the eligibility requirements of the program. We will of course inform you of any new developments as soon as they arise.
Certain Intellectual Property Fees Reimbursable under the Quebec Passeport Innovation Program
The Government of Québec offers a Passeport Innovation program to support technological innovation projects. Eligible innovation projects must require the expertise of one or several member organizations of the QuébecInnove network conducting research and development. QuébecInnove member organizations include college centers for technology transfer (CCTT), colleges, universities, research centers and academic institutions and applied research centers. Expenses relating to services for the realization of a project are eligible provided they are reasonable, necessary and directly associated to the project. The services must also be provided in Québec. Eligible expenses include, among others, intellectual property management and exploitation fees.
For more information on this program, see the application submittal guide. (Available in French only)
Comprehensive Database of Intellectual Property Law in Europe and China
For entities having commercial activities in either Europe or China, the organisation called IP Key, a joint European/Chinese group focusing on facilitating development of an intellectual property rights framework in China, has developed a comprehensive database of Intellectual Property Law in Europe and China. This database can be a useful reference when seeking answers to questions on particularities of intellectual property practice in those jurisductions. The database is accessible on the following website: http://www.ipkey.org/en/
Patent and Trademark Filing Statistics for Organisations Highly Involved in Research and Development
The European Commission and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) have jointly published a report in March 2015 entitled “World Corporate Top R&D Investors: Innovation and IP bundles”. This report contains interesting statistics such as the composition of patenting companies trademark portfolios, including top trademark classes associated with patented technologies. The report is accessible on the following link.