Home
Useful Links
IP Basics
Patent Basics
Patent Agent
Heritage

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AT A GLANCE

    PATENT
A Patent or Utility Patent is granted for a product, process or machine which is new, workable and ingenuous. A patent has a term of 20 years from the filing date of the application.

    DESIGN
A Design Patent or Industrial Design is granted for an original shape, pattern or ornament applied to a manufactured article. A design has a term of 10 years in Canada and 14 years in the USA.

    COPYRIGHT
A copyright is a right to reproduce artistic work in general. Artistic work includes works such as musical work, dramatic work, literary work, architectural work, cinematographic work, computer programs and compilations of any of the above. The term of a copyright is the life of the author plus 50 years after the year of death of the author.

    TRADE-MARK
A trade-mark is a mark that is used by a person for the purpose of distinguishing or so as to distinguish wares or services manufactured, sold, leased, hired or performed by him from those manufactured, sold, leased, hired or performed by others. A trade-mark also includes a certification mark, a distinguishing guise, or a proposed trade-mark. A trademark is renewable every 15 years.