Trademark Registration in Canada
Overview of Trademark Protection in Canada
The Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) is responsible for overseeing trademark registrations in Canada, granting exclusive rights nationwide with a single application. As a member of the Madrid System, Canada offers businesses the opportunity to designate their trademark in an International Registration (IR) through the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), simplifying the process for securing trademark protection in multiple countries.
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For businesses looking to establish a strong presence in the Canadian market, registering a trademark with CIPO provides exclusive ownership over your brand and ensures that your intellectual property is safeguarded against infringement across the country.
Aspect
Details
Official Trademark Office
Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO)
Relevant Law
The Trademarks Act of 1985 common law principles are also applicable in some cases
Countries Covered
Canada
Registration Period
10 years (renewable)
Renewal Requirement
Every 10 years
Trademark Examination
The application process includes a classification, and formalities check alongside an examination on both absolute and relative grounds. The absolute grounds assessment primarily evaluates whether the mark is distinctive enough to differentiate your goods and/or services from those of others.
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Additionally, under relative grounds, the CIPO will assess whether your mark is likely to deceive, cause confusion, or conflict with any identical or similar prior registrations.
Opposition Period
2 months after publication
Use Requirement
Must be used within 3 years of registration to maintain validity
Average Registration Time
15 months if no refusals or objections occur
Unique Aspects
– Canada is a member of the International MADRID Trademark System (WIPO).
– Canada offers the possibility to use the multiple-class filing system, making it possible to apply for broader protection under a single trademark application.
– In Canada, it is possible to establish rights to an unregistered trademark through use, in accordance with common law principles.
Fixed registration prices. No surprises.
We simplifying legal hurdles—transparency and fair pricing always come first.
The National Registration fee, starts at:
Basis fee Canada
EUR 1300
Additional class
EUR 215
Trademark registration prices are per trademark and always include the local official authority fee and Trademarkhost services like…
- Identical check
- trademark assessment
- Risk analysis
- Strategy advice
- Classification analysis and specification
- Filling of Applications up to and including registration
- Certificate of registration
- First advice refusal and/or opposition
VAT: For EU members all prices are exclusive of VAT.
Aprox. Prices: These are indicative, non-binding, starting prices and the final cost may vary depending on your specific situation, including the number of classes, and any changes to official fees set by the relevant government authority.
International Registration system: If you are considering using the Madrid International Trademark System, please note that costs per country are typically lower compared to filing directly through national procedures. We’re happy to check whether this option is suitable for your specific case — just get in touch with us for a tailored quote.
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