Technology development

Technology development is the process of designing, building, testing and improving software, hardware or other technology products. It is a business and engineering term rather than a legal one, but it raises legal issues about who owns what is developed, how development partners are paid, confidentiality, and compliance with any regulatory requirements for the product.

How BC law treats it

Ownership of developed technology turns on the Copyright Act, RSC 1985, c C-42, the Patent Act, RSC 1985, c P-4 and the contracts in place. Employers generally own copyright in work created by employees in the course of employment, but contractors keep ownership unless they assign it in writing.

What it means for your business

Sign development agreements with contractors and partners that address ownership, confidentiality and payment milestones before work starts.

Risks and common mistakes

Publicly disclosing an invention more than a year before filing a patent application can destroy the ability to patent it in Canada.

For the full explanation, see our entry on Software development agreements.

General information about British Columbia and Canadian law, current to October 2026. It is not legal advice.