The Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) launched the Key Technology Expedited Program (KTEP), replacing the earlier program expediting pandemic-related inventions with a new pilot relating to Canada’s “critical minerals supply chain, including technologies used to process, extract or refine minerals on Canada’s critical minerals list.” CIPO also summarized the consultation feedback it received on its accelerated patent examination programs.

The program (Key Technology Expedited Program (KTEP)) is open to up to 50 requests per year. If a request for accelerated examination is approved, a first office action can be expected within 7 months.

CIPO also summarized feedback it received on its various accelerated examination programs, including:

• the Patent Prosecution Highway, for applications with co-pending applications before other patent offices;
• “Green Technologies,” codified in Rule 28(1)(b) of the Patent Rules; and
• “Special Order” applications, where a fee has been paid and a submission that “failure to advance the application is likely to prejudice that person’s right.”