🇨🇦 Canada · Trademark & IP
Trademark registration, patents, copyright, official IP offices, and filing costs.
Quick answer
Canadian trademarks are registered with the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO). You search the register, file an application classifying goods/services under Nice, and it is examined and advertised for opposition before registration. A Canadian trademark lasts 10 years and is renewable; CIPO also grants patents and industrial designs.
Trademarks, patents and industrial designs are registered with the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO).
- Trademarks, patents and industrial designs are filed online with CIPO.
- Canada is a first-to-file patent jurisdiction; early filing is important.
- International protection can be extended via WIPO's Madrid (trademarks) and PCT (patents) systems.
Step-by-step
- 1
Search the register
Search the CIPO trademarks database for conflicting or confusingly similar marks before applying.
- 2
File the application
File with CIPO, classifying the goods/services under the Nice Classification and describing the mark.
- 3
Examination and advertisement
CIPO examines the application and, if approved, advertises it in the Trademarks Journal for a two-month opposition period.
- 4
Registration and renewal
Once registered, a Canadian trademark lasts 10 years and can be renewed indefinitely for further 10-year terms.
- 5
Cover patents, designs and copyright
Protect inventions with CIPO patents and appearance with industrial designs; copyright arises on creation but can be registered.
- 6
Enforce and go international
Enforce your rights against infringers and use the Madrid Protocol to extend trademark protection abroad.
Checklist
- CIPO trademarks database search
- Application (Nice classes + mark)
- Examination + Trademarks Journal advertisement
- Registration (10 years) + renewal
- Patents + industrial designs (CIPO)
- Copyright (automatic, registrable)
- Enforcement strategy
- Madrid Protocol for international
Official authorities
- Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO)
Trademarks, patents and industrial designs.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a Canadian trademark last?
Ten years from registration, renewable indefinitely for further 10-year terms.
Must I use the mark to register?
Since 2019 you no longer need to declare use to register in Canada, but a registration can be challenged for non-use after three years.
Can I register copyright in Canada?
Copyright arises automatically on creation, but Canada offers optional registration with CIPO that provides evidence of ownership.
Official-information aggregation, not legal advice. Always verify on the authority's own site.
Government portals
- Government of Canada — Canada's federal service portal — immigration, taxes, benefits, and travel info
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada — Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Program, work/study permits, and PR card applications
- Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) — T1 personal tax returns, corporate taxes, GST/HST, and benefit applications (CCB)