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Disclosure

In exchange for the exclusive right to a product, the Government of Canada expects the inventor to provide a full description of his or her invention. This process is known as disclosure and makes the technological advancements of the inventor and invention available to the public. By making this knowledge public, the Government of Canada ensures that all Canadians can benefit from this achievement.

Disclosure, as defined by the Patent Act of Canada enables any skilled person in the field to carry out the invention and its function. If the inventor's description is misleading or ambiguous, the patent will be rejected and invalid.

Disclosure does not refer to a specific description in the patent, but more to the overall impression given by the patent. This is the essential exchange between the Canadian Government and the inventor–in exchange for exclusive rights to make, sell and license their invention, the inventor gives a detailed description of their product for the technological advancement of society. This sharing of the inventor's knowledge and innovation is crucial and allows major breakthroughs to become public.

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