Fees for Integrated Circuit Topography Registrations

Summary#

This is a proposed change to the Integrated Circuit Topography Regulations under the Integrated Circuit Topography Act. It replaces the fee schedule for registrations and related services, and the new rules are set to come into force on January 1, 2024. The notice was published on December 31, 2022 and comments are invited for 30 days after that publication.

What it does#

• Replaces the existing tariff of fees in the Integrated Circuit Topography Regulations with a new schedule of charges.
• Sets the new fees for common services (selected items from the schedule):
  • Filing an application: $284.00
  • Amending an application after a request: $94.00
  • Entering a transfer of interest or grant of a licence in the register: $94.00
  • Amending or making a new entry in the register: $94.00
  • Correcting a registration certificate for an error caused by incorrect applicant information: $94.00
  • Providing a copy of a document or register page (per page): $6.00
  • Providing a certified copy of a document (certain exceptions excluded): $63.00
• The proposal is open for public comment for 30 days after publication. The notice encourages using the online commenting feature. Comments sent by email should be addressed to Doug Milne at the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (email provided in the notice).

Who's affected#

• People and businesses that file or maintain registrations of integrated circuit topographies.
• Intellectual property professionals who prepare or amend these applications.
• Anyone who requests certified copies or extracts from the register (for example, rights holders, buyers, licensees).
• It’s not fully clear from the notice if any other government fees or processes are changed beyond the list in the tariff.

Why it matters#

• The change sets the official prices for key services tied to registering and managing integrated circuit topographies. That affects how much it costs to file, amend, transfer, or obtain copies.
• Businesses and designers who rely on these registrations may see their administrative costs change starting January 1, 2024.
• The public has a limited window (the 30-day comment period after December 31, 2022) to give feedback before the fees are finalized.