Canada Gets Ready To Introduce Patent Term Restoration For The First Time

As a part of its obligations under CETA, Canada plans to introduce patent term restoration for up to two years when research or regulatory delays have consumed part of the 20-year term of a pharmaceutical patent. Patent term restoration will occur via the grant of a so-called certificate of supplementary protection ("CSP").

On July 15, 2017, the government of Canada published its proposed Certificate of Supplementary Protection Regulations ("CSP Regulations") which, in conjunction with amendments to the Patent Act, will create the framework for the issuance of CSPs which will be administered by Canada's Minister of Health. The government announced a 15-day consultation period with the release of the proposed CSP Regulations "to facilitate broader engagement on the proposed regulatory measures".