Patent and trademark agent annual maintenance (renewal) deadline: March 31, 2020

Patent and trademark agents have until March 31, 2020 to maintain their name on the register of patent agents and the list of trademark agents. These lists are maintained on an annual basis as set out in subsection 23(1) of the Patent Rules and section 20 of the Trademarks Regulations respectively.

Please note: we have replaced the terms "renew" or "renewal" with "maintain" or "maintenance" due to legislative changes.

If you fail to meet the maintenance requirements by March 31, your name will be removed from the register of patent agents or from the list of trademark agents. In such cases, you will need to pay the reinstatement and maintenance fees, and if you are a trademark agent, you will also need to demonstrate that you have passed the qualifying examination.

Maintenance process for firms

Firms maintaining their registrations on the register of patent agents or list of trademark agents will need to fulfill the regulatory requirements of paragraph 23(1)(c) of the Patent Rules and paragraph 20(1)(c) of the Trademarks Regulations by March 31. The statement indicating each member of the firm entered in the register, required by paragraph 23(1)(c) of the Patent Rules, must be signed by a member of the firm whose own name is entered on the register. Generic signatures will not be accepted.

Maintenance process for patent agents

Patent agents are encouraged to maintain their registration on the register online using the general correspondence form.

For help on how to maintain your name on the register, please review our instructions or contact the Client Service Centre.

Maintenance process for trademark agents

Trademark agents are encouraged to maintain their name on the list online using the trademark agent renewal application.

For help on how to maintain your name on the list, please contact the Client Service Centre.

Do not delay!