As a student in an engineering ethics class, it's difficult to relate to the case studies. The course material makes sense, yet, the applications are seldomly relevant to our lives. 

Many of us learn by doing, by seeing first things work first hand. Lab classes are a great examples of how to drive home engineering principles and concepts. 

Professional practice and ethical dilemmas are not concepts that can be entered into a spreadsheet.  They must be practiced, they must be discussed and considered often in a group.  It is interesting to witness the different perspectives amongst a class when faced with a dilemma. 

Simply put, the Canadian Patent Office is responsible for grant patents and administration of patents in Canada.  Therefore a lot of people see the Patent Office and the Patent Database as a outstanding source of technical information.  

The CPO is part of a larger group, called the Canadian Intellectual Property Office that is responsible for the administration of trade-marks, copyright, industrial designs, and integrated circuit topographies.  

Take note, the CPO will not legally protect your patents.  They simply provide the registration and administration of your patent.  Which provides the legal means for you to protect your own Intellectual Property.