Serge Morel        P.O. Box 17222     Sarasota, FL   34276-0222 Fax:   (941) 378- 8008     e-mail:   serg@gte.net 9/20/2000   Page 20 of 579 16 Q. Should one prepare one's own patent application? A. As the preparation and prosecution of patent applications is quite complex it is recommended that inventors consult a Patent Agent trained in this specialized practice and registered to practice before the Canadian Patent Office to do this work. A list of Registered Agents living in any particular region in Canada may be obtained free of charge by writing to the Commissioner of Patents. Unregis- tered agents frequently advertise their services, but they are not authorized to practice before the Canadian Patent Office. They are not subject to Patent Office discipline, and the Office cannot help inventors in dealing with them. 17 Q. What does the term "patent pending"   mean? A. It is used to inform the public that an application for patent is on file in the Patent Office. By itself it has no legal significance nor does it mean that a patent will necessarily be granted. Until a patent is granted for it, an invention may be used by others. 18 Q. What papers are required when filing a patent application? A. A petition, an abstract, a disclosure, a drawing if the invention can be illus- trated, claims and a filing fee. 19 Q. What is a petition? A. This is the formal request made by the inventor or the inventor's assignee for the grant of a patent. An example of a petition form is shown in form 1 of the Patent Rules. 2O Q. What is an abstract? A. An abstract is a condensation of the technical content of the disclosure and should include the advance made in the art and the utility of the invention. It should consist of a single paragraph of 50 to 250 words. An example of an abstract is shown in form 24 of the Patent Rules. 21 Q. What is a disclosure? A. The disclosure is a written description of the invention. An example of the type of disclosure required is shown in form 24 of the Patent Rules. 22 Q. What are claims? A. A claim in a patent is a distinct and expli- cit statement of what the invention is. It is not a listing of the advantages and benefits flowing from the invention. The wording of the clanms determines the extent of protection granted by the patent. An example of claims is shown in form 24 of the Patent Rules. 23 Q. How can I get a copy of the Patent Act and the Patent Rules? A. Copies of both the Patent Act and the Patent Rules can be purchased from the Canadian Government Publishing Cen- tre, Mail Order Section, Supply and Services Canada, Hull, Qu6bec, K IA 0S9. Prices may be obtained on request.