How to contact us for items related to section 20 of the Patent Act
- For security reasons, do not send documents in electronic, fax, CD, USB or other non-paper formats, as we will not accept them.
- Documents must be enclosed in a double sealed envelope with return address.
- Do not add security markings on the outside envelope, only the inner envelope must be marked "Secret."
- In Canada, follow the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO)'s correspondence procedures for delivery of mailed correspondence to CIPO.
- For mailed applications sent outside of Canada, mail must be sent by diplomatic security channels for all submissions, except for the purpose of paying maintenance fees for patents.
- CIPO will not provide information regarding such files over the phone.
- CIPO will only communicate with the appointed patent agent, through mail.
- CIPO will not provide any information including confirmation of payments to third parties who pay patent maintenance fees.
How to pay maintenance fees for applications and patents related to section 20
Payment deliveries don't have to go through diplomatic security channels, but should follow the steps below:
- Print and complete the Fee form from CIPO's website.
- Only provide the information required in the form and do not add any additional identifying information regarding the file except for the patent number and the client reference number (if applicable).
- Ensure your information is correct. The patent number is the only way your file is identified. Should you have questions, contact your patent agent who can communicate with the office.
- Documents should be enclosed in a double sealed envelope with return address and no security markings on the outside envelope, only the inner envelope must be marked "Secret."
- Deliver the completed form to CIPO in person or by mail through trusted couriers such as Canada Post, UPS or FedEx.
In the event of any inconsistency between this information and the applicable legislation for section 20, the legislation must be followed.
Who can pay fees for granted patents related to section 20 of the Patent Act
Third parties authorized by the patentee or applicant, including third party payees outside Canada, may submit maintenance fee payments for applications and patents. However, third parties should follow the maintenance fee protocols described above.