Bill C-43 Signals Forthcoming Changes To The Canadian Patent Act

On December 16, 2014, Bill C-43 received Royal Assent. The legislation includes amendments to the Canadian Patent Act that will eventually usher in significant changes to Canadian practice. The amendments mainly address Canada's obligations under the Patent Law Treaty and bring the Canadian system into alliance with other countries. We expect further amendments to be introduced later in 2015 to address Canada's recent obligations under the Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA). These Bill C-43 amendments are not yet in effect and we await publication of corresponding regulations. The date when these amendments and related regulations will be in effect is not yet known but is expected later in 2015.