Best Patent Lawyers in Canada

Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.

Free. Takes 2 min.

Or refine your search by selecting a city:

Maple Ridge, Canada

English
Centra Lawyers LLP is a full-service law firm based in Maple Ridge, British Columbia, serving the Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows and the Lower Mainland of BC. The firm brings together partners Adrienne Dale, Eric Mollema, Sherri Robinson, Ryan Dueckman and Marcela Shockey, with a team of skilled...
Sanderson Entertainment Law
Toronto, Canada

Founded in 1983
English
Sanderson Entertainment Law, based in Toronto, Canada, has been exclusively serving clients in the arts and entertainment sectors for over 40 years. The firm offers a comprehensive range of legal services tailored to professionals in music, film, visual arts, and literature. Their expertise...
Fulcrum Law Corporation
Vancouver, Canada

English
Fulcrum Law Corporation is a Vancouver-based law firm that concentrates on helping entrepreneurs and small to mid-sized businesses navigate complex legal matters. The firm provides practical guidance on business formation, corporate services, contracts and agreements, and strategic transactions,...
Ggh

Ggh

New Aiyansh, Canada

Founded in 2000
5,677 people in their team
Abkhaz
Fffgvvvbbbbbbgggggfrrfgggztddddrrrtttzzgggfffffffffffffhhhgfffffffthuizgxxddeeddddfhjiijjkkjhgffgghhghggttffdttzbgdrzhgdssdwssdfjkktd fish DJ Hajdú ez dj dj dj dj dj dj ül kg g if DC és tv tv tv in in in TV Fu év ez ez ti dynb részesül tot go r St reg to us DJ gf dkg dj dj itt dkg dj dj t...
Lippes Mathias LLP
Burlington, Canada

Founded in 1965
177 people in their team
English
Lippes Mathias LLP is a full-service law firm with more than 135 attorneys serving clients regionally, nationally, and internationally. With offices in Buffalo, N.Y.; Albany, N.Y.; Burlington, Ontario; Chicago, Ill.; New York City; Jacksonville, Fla; and Washington, D.C., the firm represents a wide...
Caron & Partners LLP
Calgary, Canada

English
Caron & Partners LLP, established in 1967, is a mid-sized law firm based in Calgary, Alberta, dedicated to delivering strategic and practical legal solutions tailored to each client's unique needs. The firm offers a comprehensive range of services, including corporate law, commercial law, family...
Vellani Law
Hamilton, Canada

English
Vellani Law, located in Hamilton, Ontario, offers comprehensive legal services in real estate, corporate, and franchise law. The firm assists clients with residential and commercial property transactions, corporate formation and governance, and franchise agreements. Their expertise extends to...
Alepin Gauthier Avocats
Montreal, Canada

Founded in 1978
50 people in their team
French
English
Alepin Gauthier Avocats was founded in 1978 by Me François Alepin. A few years later, Me Brigitte Gauthier joined the firm and quickly became a partner, thus founding the family law department. For his part, Me Alepin is and has always been at the service of local entrepreneurs. The firm now has...
Lawson Lundell LLP
Yellowknife, Canada

English
Lawson Lundell LLP is a distinguished Canadian law firm renowned for its comprehensive range of legal services across various practice areas. With a robust presence in Vancouver, Calgary, Yellowknife, and Kelowna, the firm is deeply committed to delivering exceptional legal solutions tailored to...
Nelligan Law
Ottawa, Canada

Founded in 1963
200 people in their team
French
English
A cornerstone of Ottawa’s legal communityFounded by John P. Nelligan and Denis Power, Nelligan Law first began as as Nelligan Power.In 1963, Denis Power joined John P. Nelligan’s, law office as an articling student, and in 1969, the Nelligan Power partnership was established.Since our firm’s...
AS SEEN ON

About Patent Law in Canada

Patent law in Canada is designed to protect intellectual property by granting exclusive rights to inventors over their creations for a limited period. A patent provides the patent holder with the legal right to exclude others from making, using, or selling the invention in Canada. Governed by the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO), the patent system encourages innovation and contributes to economic growth by ensuring that inventors receive recognition and potential financial reward for their innovation efforts.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Pursuing a patent can be complex and may require professional legal assistance. A lawyer specializing in patent law can provide invaluable guidance in the following situations:

  • Drafting and filing a patent application to ensure it complies with Canadian law.
  • Conducting patent searches to ensure your invention or process is indeed novel.
  • Responding to rejections or objections from the Canadian Intellectual Property Office.
  • Enforcing patent rights and handling infringement disputes.
  • Negotiating licensing agreements and commercial partnerships.
  • Navigating the filing requirements for international patent protection.

Local Laws Overview

Canadian patent law is primarily governed by the Patent Act. Here are some key aspects of Canadian patent law:

  • Eligibility: An invention must be new, useful, and non-obvious to be eligible for a patent.
  • Application Process: Involves submitting a formal application, including specifications, claims, and drawings, to the CIPO.
  • Patent Examiner: A CIPO examiner reviews the application to ensure it meets statutory requirements.
  • Duration: Patents in Canada are valid for 20 years from the date of filing, subject to the payment of maintenance fees.
  • First-to-File Principle: Canada follows a first-to-file system, meaning the first person to file a patent application has priority over others for that invention.
  • Public Disclosure Requirement: Disclosure of the invention is required for a patent grant, and once published, is accessible to the public.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a patent?

A patent is a legal instrument that grants inventors exclusive rights over their invention, prohibiting others from making, using, or selling it without permission.

How long does it take to get a patent in Canada?

The patent application process generally takes 2 to 4 years, depending on the complexity of the invention and the workload of the CIPO.

Can I patent an idea?

No, patents are granted for inventions, not mere ideas. An invention must be concrete, demonstrating a process, machine, manufacture, or composition of matter.

How much does it cost to obtain a patent in Canada?

Costs vary depending on the complexity of the application but can range from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars, including legal fees and maintenance costs.

Can a patent be transferred or sold?

Yes, patent rights can be transferred through sale, assignment, or licensing agreements.

What happens if someone infringes on my patent?

You may pursue legal action to enforce your patent rights, which may involve litigation or seeking injunctions and damages.

Is my Canadian patent valid internationally?

No, a Canadian patent only provides protection within Canada. Consider international protection through treaties like the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) if needed.

What should I include in a patent application?

A patent application should include a detailed description, claims, drawings, and an abstract of the invention.

Do I need a prototype to apply for a patent?

No prototype is needed when filing for a patent, but you must be able to demonstrate the invention's functionality and feasibility fully in the application.

How long is a patent valid for?

In Canada, a patent is valid for 20 years from the date of filing, provided all maintenance fees are paid.

Additional Resources

For more information and resources on patent law in Canada, consider the following:

  • Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO): The governmental body responsible for patents and other forms of intellectual property.
  • Intellectual Property Institute of Canada (IPIC): A professional association with resources and expert advisors in IP law.
  • Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada (ISED): Support programs for innovation and intellectual property management.
  • Local law firms specializing in intellectual property: Many offer initial consultations to understand your needs.

Next Steps

If you need legal assistance concerning a patent, consider these steps:

  • Conduct preliminary research on your invention to understand its potential novelty.
  • Consult with a patent lawyer who can provide personalized advice and guide you through the application process.
  • Determine your commercial strategy, including if you need international patent protection.
  • Prepare necessary documents and information before consulting a legal professional.
  • Develop a timeline and budget for patent filing and potential commercialization efforts.

Acting promptly and with the guidance of experienced professionals can enhance the protection and potential success of your invention.

Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in Canada through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, including Patent, experience, and client feedback.

Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters.

Get a quote from top-rated law firms in Canada — quickly, securely, and without unnecessary hassle.

Disclaimer:

The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation.

We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.