Tutorial — Your patent application

This tutorial will help you write your patent application and will give you general information about patents and the patent process in Canada.

Thinking about writing a patent application? Did you know that there are strict rules on how to set up the format of your application and what information you need to include?

You have to be very careful in how you write your application if you want to receive quick service and protect your invention. To get it right, you need time, money and maybe the help of a professional patent agent. If you are careful, you will save yourself a lot of expense and trouble.

Patenting your invention may take several years.

The process usually begins with a search of other patents so you can compare your invention with what is already out there. Then you put together your patent application, which includes a detailed description of your invention and what we call “claims.” These are the facts about your invention that form the foundation for protecting your patent.

Here is some help

This tutorial will help you write your patent application and give you general information about patents and the patent process in Canada. If you are looking for general information on patents, you might like to start with the first menu item and work your way down. If you are ready to write your application, choose Writing a patent application.

• Tell me more about patents
  • What is a patent?
  • Why apply for a patent
  • A patent is for…
  • The parts of a patent application
  • Can a patent agent help?
  • The patent office and CIPO
  • Review - Tell me more about patents
  • Quiz - Tell me more about patents
• How your patent application is processed
  • Before you start
  • Preliminary search
  • Writing your application
  • Filing your application
  • About priority dates
  • Completing your application
  • Keeping your application or patent alive
  • Requesting examination
  • Corresponding with the Patent Office
  • Receiving your patent
  • Appealing a refusal
  • Review - How your patent application is processed
  • Quiz - How your patent application is processed
• Writing a patent application
  • Before you start writing
  • Checklist
  • Drawings
  • Format
  • Description
  • How to write the description
  • Claims
  • Tips on writing claims
  • Abstract
  • Petition
  • How to assemble your patent application
  • Review - Writing a patent application
  • Quiz - Writing a patent application
• Tools and references to help you
  • Example of Patent Application - Collapsible Tent and Frame Therefor
    • Collapsible Tent and Frame Therefor – Fig. 1
    • Collapsible Tent and Frame Therefor – Fig. 2
    • Collapsible Tent and Frame Therefor – Fig. 3
    • Collapsible Tent and Frame Therefor – Fig. 3A
    • Collapsible Tent and Frame Therefor – Fig. 4
    • Collapsible Tent and Frame Therefor – Fig. 5
    • Collapsible Tent and Frame Therefor – Fig. 6
    • Collapsible Tent and Frame Therefor – Fig. 7
    • Collapsible Tent and Frame Therefor – Fig. 8
    • Collapsible Tent and Frame Therefor – Fig. 9
  • Example of Patent Application - Separable Electrical Connector
    • Separable Electrical Connector – Fig. 1
    • Separable Electrical Connector – Fig. 2
    • Separable Electrical Connector – Fig. 3
    • Separable Electrical Connector – Fig. 4
    • Separable Electrical Connector – Fig. 5
  • Feedback form
• Fee table
• Glossary