Intellectual property applies worldwide, but local rules vary, as does the local regulatory environment. With increased cross-border business and the prevalence of counterfeiting, it is important to know that your discoveries, your creations and your brands could fall under the protection of several Canadian laws.

To make things easier for you, the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) can help you protect your intellectual property under these laws. CIPO administers applications and grants rights available under the:

• Patent Act
• Industrial Design Act
• Copyright Act
• Trademarks Act

A Canadian patent grants its owner the exclusive right to manufacture, sell and use an invention. Patents are granted for new and useful inventions and they are valid for 20 years from the filing date.

Can an invention that is protected in another country be patented in Canada? Yes, but certain deadlines must be met.