On , CIPO launched the KTEP pilot and retired the COVID-19 relief accelerated examination program. For more information about these changes, see our announcement.
The Key Technology Expedited Program (KTEP) is a pilot program at the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) that allows accelerated examination of patent applications at no additional cost.
Under this pilot, CIPO may accelerate examination for patent applications that relate to key technology areas identified by the Commissioner of Patents.
On this page:
KTEP streams
The KTEP pilot currently includes 2 streams under which applicants can request accelerated examination of eligible patent applications.
Stream 1: Critical minerals Open
This stream is available for patent applications related to innovations that support Canada's critical minerals supply chain, including technologies used to process, extract or refine minerals on Canada's critical minerals list.
- Annual limit: CIPO will accept up to 50 eligible requests under the critical minerals stream each calendar year, on a first-come, first-served basis. Once the annual limit is reached, no additional requests will be accepted until the following calendar year. The current status of this stream is indicated above.
Stream 2: Public health emergencies Closed
This stream is currently closed and reserved for patent applications relating to innovations that mitigate the impacts of a public health emergency. The Commissioner of Patents may activate this stream at their discretion when such an emergency is identified. Additional information on eligible applications will be provided on this page at that time.
- Annual limit: If activated, the stream will accept up to 50 eligible requests per calendar year. Once the annual limit is reached, no additional requests will be accepted until the following calendar year.
Submit a request
You can request accelerated examination under the KTEP pilot at any time between filing and grant either electronically via MyCIPO Patents or by paper.
To access MyCIPO Patents, you need a My Canada Business Account. Don't have an account? Visit the login page and follow the steps.
To request accelerated examination under the KTEP pilot, the application must:
- relate to an open KTEP stream
- be in good standing (e.g. fees are paid, application is not abandoned, etc.)
- not have been authorized an extension of time; must not have been deemed to be abandoned; or the applicant must not have made a request for continued examination.
- be open to public inspection (or requested at the time of the KTEP request)
- have a request for examination made (or requested at the time of the KTEP request)
- include a letter confirming that the patent application relates to a KTEP stream (e.g. critical minerals technology), using a statement such as: "The patent application relates to innovation supporting Canada's critical minerals supply chain, such as processing, extracting or refining any mineral on Canada's critical minerals list."
Note: if the application is deemed abandoned, if an extension of time is authorized or if a request for continued examination is made, the application will be removed from the expedited process and returned to the regular order of examination.
After you submit a request
Once your request for accelerated examination is approved, a first office action can be expected within 7 months.
You can request withdrawal from accelerated service related to KTEP at any time.
Please remember that all Canadian patent applications are examined in accordance with the Patent Act and the Patent Rules with guidance from CIPO's Manual of Patent Office Practice.