Canada · Trademark & IP
Trademark registration, patents, copyright, official IP offices, and filing costs.
AI-drafted, editorially reviewed. Confirm specifics with the official authority.
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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
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)