A large portion of the meeting was devoted to discussing the current backlog of cases awaiting examination and the new e-services platform. Plans to address the backlog include greater reliance on computerized tools for assessing goods and services specifications along with more rapid examination for applications containing listings of acceptable goods and services. CIPO is welcoming suggestions for acceptable wording with a view to adding new terms to the Goods and Services Manual.

The Canadian Registrar of Trademarks, Commissioner of Patents and the Minister responsible for the Industrial Designs Act have “designated” the time-period running from March 16, 2020 up to and including May 15, 2020.