IP monitor: CIPO further extends deadlines until May 19…and acceptable electronic signatures

As we previously advised, most deadlines in the period beginning March 16 and ending April 30, 2020, were extended to the next working day.

On April 27, the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) extended this period until May 19, 2020.

Interestingly, on April 24 CIPO provided its current operational status in view of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the deadline extension in a viewable presentation.

While CIPO remains open, there are many restrictions on activities conducted in person. Regional offices remain closed. However mail may be dropped off at offices in Gatineau and Ottawa.

The CIPO presentation also included a number of frequently asked questions (FAQs).

One interesting FAQ relates to electronic signatures. CIPO will follow the guidelines provided under section 3.3 of Annex F of the PCT Administrative Instructions.

CIPO will accept the following types of signatures:

• facsimile signatures;
• text string signatures (also known as S signatures (e.g., /JohnDoe/);
• click wrap signatures; and
• secure electronic signatures (i.e., PKI).