Protect your idea with a copyright or patent.
If you want to protect an idea in Canada you need to file an application to get a copyright or a patent. According to the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO), copyrights are for "literary, artistic, dramatic or musical works as well as performances, sound recordings and communication signals." Patents are "a government grant giving the right to exclude others from making, using or selling an invention." You will need to file with the CIPO to ensure you have the sole right to your idea.
Instructions
1. Go to the CIPO website and download the application for either a patent or a copyright. Fill out the required information.
For a patent you will need to make a declaration of entitlement and an abstract (summary) of your invention. If your invention can be illustrated you should include drawings with the description.
For a copyright you do not need to send a copy of your work. You need to state who the owner is, what kind of work it is and if there is an author (other than the owner). You will also need to state the title of the work.
2. Pay your fees using a credit card or check.
It costs $200 to apply for a patent and another $150 once the patent is issued. There may be other fees including an international search by the Commissioner of Patents.
Copyright fees are $50 to $65.
3. Wait for your copyright or patent application to be reviewed. Once your application is approved you will receive the documentation in the mail. It takes approximately three to 10 days for online applications to be processed.
For a copyright, you don't need to do anything more. Your work is protected in Canada.
For a patent, you will have to pay the registration fee if you have not already paid it. You will also have to pay an annual maintenance fee. This is calculated by the length of time you have had the patent. The longer you have had the patent the more the maintenance fees are.
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