Organization Profile - Canadian Intellectual Property Office

Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry

This organization, also known as the Canadian Intellectual Property Office, is responsible for the administration and processing of the greater part of intellectual property in Canada. The main areas of activity include, among others: patents, which cover new inventions; trade-marks, which are words, symbols or designs (or a combination of these), used to distinguish the wares or services of one person or organization from those of others in the marketplace; copyrights, which provide protection for artistic, dramatic, musical or literary works.

Gatineau, Quebec

Patent Act

Trade-marks Act

The Commissioner of Patents is appointed by the GIC to hold office during pleasure. The Registrar of Trademarks shall be the person appointed as Commissioner of Patents.

An Assistant Commissioner of Patents may be appointed in the manner authorized by law and shall be a technical officer experienced in the administration of the Patent Office.

When the Commissioner is absent or unable to act, the Assistant Commissioner, or if she/he also is at the same time absent or unable to act, another officer designated by the Minister, may exercise the powers and shall perform the duties of the Commissioner.

When the Registrar is absent or unable to act or when the office of Registrar is vacant, his/her powers shall be exercised and his/her duties and functions performed in the capacity of acting registrar by such other officer as may be designated by the Minister.