Technology patents
A technology patent is a patent granted for a technological invention, such as a device, process or, in limited cases, a computer implemented invention. In Canada, a patent gives the owner the exclusive right to make, use and sell the invention for up to 20 years from filing, in exchange for publicly disclosing how it works. The invention must be new, useful and not obvious.
How BC law treats it
Patents are granted by the Canadian Intellectual Property Office under the federal Patent Act, RSC 1985, c P-4 and apply across Canada, not province by province. Canada allows a one year grace period for the inventor's own disclosures, but many other countries do not.
What it means for your business
A Canadian patent protects you only in Canada, so plan foreign filings if your market is international.
Risks and common mistakes
Disclosing the invention publicly before filing can bar patent protection in countries without a grace period.
For the full explanation, see our entry on Patent.
General information about British Columbia and Canadian law, current to October 2026. It is not legal advice.
