Canadian Patent & Trademark Update: Trans-Pacific Partnership

Canada is currently negotiating with 11 other counties (Australia, Brunei, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, Vietnam, and the United States) in the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TTP) in hopes of eliminating tariffs on a variety of products. 

In regards to how this new agreement will impact our patent system, the Canadian Government states that this deal:

"Ensures patent protection for inventions in all fields of technology; Promotes transparent and efficient patent administration systems; Is in line with Canada’s current regime including criteria regarding patentability exclusion; and Ensures that exceptions under the World Trade Organization (WTO) Doha Declaration on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) continue to be available in line with Canada’s current laws."

As for our trademark system, the Canadian Government states that this deal:

"Provides protection against infringing use of trademarks, such as brand names and symbols; Fosters transparent and efficient rules and procedures across the TPP region; Is in line with Canada’s existing regime; and Supports Canada’s progress to accede to the Madrid Protocol and Nice Agreement."

Before this agreement can come into effect it still must be approved and is expected that it will be brought forth in the next session of Parliament.