The impact of Canadian Patent Policy and Information Technology (IT) on Canadian Patent Office operations and on Canadian use of patent information from 1980 to 2005

Canadian Patent Policy and practice evolved under the influence of British and American policy and practice. In 1989 Canada entered into a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the United States and the Canadian Patent Act was updated to reflect international patent practice. In 1992 the TechSource project was started in order to automate Canadian Patent operations in harmony with Trilateral (US, EPO, and Japan) automation projects, and disseminate patent information to Canadian Industry. The TechSource system (2000) has reduced the use of paper to process patent applications and improved access to patent information in Canada. While Canadian use of patents has increased since 1980, the use of TechSource patent information has been less than originally forecasted. The TechSource (2000) system will need to be upgraded and modernized in order to be able to: interface with newer international patent processes, replace outdated technology and reduce operating costs. There are opportunities available to reduce future Canadian patenting and TechSource costs. More public education will be needed to increase the use of patent information in Canada.