Trademark registration in Canada

1. Choose what to protect

A trademark distinguishes the goods or services of one business from those of others. It can include a brand name, logo, slogan or other sign that meets the legal requirements. A Canadian registration gives the owner the exclusive right to use the mark across Canada in association with the registered goods and services, subject to the Trademarks Act.

• Brand name. Consider a standard-character application if the words are the part you want to protect across different fonts and designs.
• Logo. A design application identifies the graphic mark you submit. If the name and logo are both important, consider whether to file each separately. Each distinct mark needs its own application.
• Business name. Incorporation, business-name registration and domain registration serve different purposes. A trade name can also function as a trademark when it identifies the source of goods or services.

Check whether the mark is distinctive. Clearly descriptive wording, deceptively misdescriptive wording, certain names or surnames, and prohibited marks may present registration problems. The applicable rules and exceptions depend on the mark.

CIPO’s guide to trademarks and registrability · Trademarks Act

2. Search for conflicting marks

1. Search the Canadian Trademarks Database for the full mark, distinctive words, alternative spellings and similar-sounding terms. Include French or English equivalents where relevant.
2. Review pending and registered marks and read the listed goods and services. Consider how the marks look, sound and what they suggest, as well as how the goods, services and sales channels overlap.
3. Check relevant business registries, industry directories, search engines and marketplaces for marks already in use. Some earlier rights can arise through use without registration.
4. Keep a record of your search terms and close matches. If you find a similar mark or plan to invest substantially in a launch, consider getting a clearance opinion from a licensed trademark agent.

Search the Canadian Trademarks Database

3. Prepare the application

Confirm the owner

Identify the person or legal entity that owns or will use the mark. Enter the applicant’s legal name and mailing address. If the founders and company have used the same brand, or another company will use it under licence, clarify ownership before filing. Application information becomes part of the public record.

Specify the mark and its goods or services

Prepare the wording, image or other representation that clearly identifies the mark. List the specific goods and services the mark is used for or will be used for, using ordinary commercial terms. Group them under the appropriate Nice classes.

For example, a coffee brand might list roasted coffee beans in Class 30 and café services in Class 43 if the applicant plans to offer both. Search the manual for accepted terms and confirm the class for each item. The class number organizes the application, while the specific wording identifies the goods or services claimed. You generally cannot broaden that list after filing.

Search CIPO’s Goods and Services Manual · CIPO’s Nice classification questions and answers

4. Calculate the application fee

CIPO charges an application fee per mark, with an additional fee for each class beyond the first. These figures apply to Canadian applications filed and paid online in 2026, in Canadian dollars.

Professional fees are separate. Check CIPO’s current fee schedule before paying, especially if filing after December 2026 or through another channel.

CIPO’s current fee schedule

5. File and track your application

1. Open CIPO’s trademark application service and sign in with a My Canada Business Account.
2. Enter the applicant information, mark and grouped goods or services. Review the entries before submitting and paying.
3. Save the submission receipt and application number. Check the filing acknowledgement for the filing date and verify the public record.
4. Monitor correspondence and keep your contact details up to date. Use your application number to check status in the database.

CIPO publishes an estimated wait for examination. The time to registration also depends on whether the examiner raises objections, someone opposes the application or another step is required.

CIPO online filing and forms · CIPO processing times

6. Respond to examination and opposition

Examination

CIPO examines whether the application meets legal requirements, including whether the mark is registrable and whether it could be confused with a pending or registered mark. If an examiner’s report arrives, read each objection, note the deadline in the notice and respond through CIPO. Depending on the issue, you may need to amend the wording or explain why the objection should be withdrawn.

Publication and opposition

If approved, the application is published in the Trademarks Journal. A third party generally has two months from publication to oppose, subject to extensions. If you receive an opposition notice, record the deadline and consider getting advice promptly. The proceeding can involve written pleadings, evidence and a decision by the Trademarks Opposition Board.

Registration

If the application clears opposition and meets the remaining requirements, CIPO enters the mark in the register and issues a certificate. Check that the owner, mark and goods or services are recorded correctly.

How CIPO processes an application · What to do if your application is opposed

7. Maintain and renew your registration

• Calendar the renewal. For a new Canadian registration, the initial term is 10 years. Renew for further 10-year terms by paying the prescribed fee and completing any outstanding classification requirements.
• Keep evidence of Canadian use. Preserve dated packaging, sales records, advertisements and other materials that show how the mark was used with specific goods or services. After the registration has been in place for three years, a section 45 proceeding can require evidence of use during the preceding three-year period or an explanation of special circumstances excusing non-use.
• Record changes. Update the register when the owner’s name or address changes, and record a transfer when ownership changes.
• Plan for markets outside Canada. Canadian registration protects the mark in Canada. Eligible applicants can explore separate national filings or use the Madrid Protocol to request protection in designated jurisdictions.

CIPO registration and renewal · Section 45 proceedings · CIPO’s Madrid Protocol guide

Common questions