At Farahat & Co. we provide services to firms and individuals for safeguarding their brands through trademark registration in Canada. Trademark registration is an exclusive right under the Canada’s Trademark Act (Trademarks Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. T-13). The law gives legal protection to your brand identity across the country.
Such services are provided for trademark search, filing, objection handling, opposition, renewal and enforcement.
In Canada, a trademark may be one or a combination of words, sounds, designs, tastes, colours, textures, scents, moving images, three-dimensional shapes, modes of packaging or holograms, used to distinguish the goods or services of one person or organization from those of others.
Registration of your trademark gives you the exclusive right to use it throughout Canada and protects your brand identity.
In Canada, the legal framework for trademarks is governed by the Trademarks Act. This Act explains the procedures for registering, enforcing, and maintaining trademarks. The trademark registry, operated by the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO), maintains records of all registered trademarks and applications for registration.
Although it is not mandatory to register a trademark, registration:
Farahat & Co. assists businesses to secure their trademarks with full compliance under Canadian law. Whether you are launching a new brand or want to expand into Canada, we ensure your trademark is properly protected.
Registering a trademark in Canada involves several steps. At Farahat & Co., we guide clients on how to apply for a trademark in Canada to ensure compliance with all legal requirements.
The Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) manages the trademark registration process in Canada. Following is a step-by-step guide on how to register a trademark in Canada and what to expect at each step
In Canada, the applicant for trademark registration has to be a “person.” According to the Trademarks Act Canada, this covers persons as follows:
Two or more persons can also apply together, for example “John Doe and Jane Smith.”
Once registered, a Canada trademark is valid for ten years after the date of registration. You may renew the trademark every ten years by paying the renewal fee.
You must pay an application fee when submitting your application for the registration of a trademark.
Before applying to trademark in Canada, it is highly advisable to:
A complete application to register a trademark Canada must contain:
There are additional requirements for nontraditional trademarks, such as color, sound, and motion marks.
You must file a separate application for each trademark that you wish to register. However, one application can cover a number of goods or services for a given trademark.
You may file your application through CIPO’s e-filing system, or payment by mail. The Registrar then checks it for completeness before assigning a filing date. The filing date is significant, as it establishes your priority in case of disputes.
After filing, the Canada trademark office examiner will:
In case of concerns from the examiner, they will issue an examination report. You or your agent must respond. If the response is not satisfactory enough, the application may be refused. In such an instance, you may appeal the court’s decision to the Federal Court of Canada.
Once a trademark application passes examination, it is advertised in the weekly-Trademarks Journal in a manner established by that Journal. The advertisement contains the trademark, applicant’s details, and claimed goods and services.
After it has been advertised, third parties shall have two months to oppose registration of your trademark. Any person who has reason to believe that your trademark is similar to their own may file a statement of opposition even in the absence of validity of their mark.
The proceedings of opposition are often complex and equivalent to a hearing in court. Evidence, written submissions, and sometimes oral arguments are included. If your mark has been opposed, you are significantly advised to hire a trademark lawyer or agent to defend your rights.
If no opposition is filed or if the opposition is resolved in your favor, a certificate of registration will be issued by the Registrar. At this stage, your mark is officially entered into the Register of Trademarks in Canada, giving it nationwide protection.
Every 10 years after the date of registration, your trademark in Canada must be renewed. It must also be used in Canada; otherwise, it would be subject to cancellation due to non-use if not used for three consecutive years.
As of 2025, the average processing time for examination of trademark application in Canada is approximately 8.7 months from the date of filing to examination, followed by a 2-month opposition period before final registration. But delays may occur due to objections, oppositions, or application issues.
Farahat & Co. ensures that your application is complete, distinctive, and made in accordance with Canadian regulations.
At Farahat & Co, we do a complete check of the trademarks in Canada, provide professional clearance opinions, and thereby avoid costly objections or disputes later on in the process.
The Canadian trademark office, officially known as the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO), is responsible for all trademark matters. It operates under Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada.
CIPO handles:
Farahat & Co. works directly with CIPO to ensure your application is accurate and complete. Once approved, your trademark is protected nationwide.
Here is a simplified outline of the trademark Canada registration process:
Step | Description |
---|---|
1. Search | Use the Canadian Trademarks Database to check availability |
2. Classify | Identify the correct Nice classification for your goods/services |
3. File | Submit your application online via CIPO |
4. Examination | CIPO reviews your application (8–9 months average) |
5. Publication | Trademark is published for opposition (2 months period) |
6. Registration | If no opposition, registration is granted |
Key Requirements under the Trademarks Act Canada:
At Farahat & Co., we will look carefully at your application to ensure this as well as handle any objections or oppositions.
Protecting your brand is one of the most valuable investments you can ever make. You can be guaranteed reliable, efficient, and cost-effective trademark registration services in Canada with Farahat & Co.
Whether you are a Canadian business or an international company expanding into Canada, our legal team is here to guide you through every step of the process.
Contact Farahat & Co. to have your trademark registered in Canada with complete confidence.