Trademark Registration in Canada: Protect Your Brand Nationwide
Trademark registration in Canada at a glance: filed with Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO), Gatineau, Quebec; typically 18–24 months for straightforward applications without objections; valid for 10 years from registration date, renewable for successive 10-year terms; Madrid Protocol: Yes, in force from June 17, 2019; opposition period: 2 months from advertisement in the Trademarks Journal. Filing / Application Fee (First Class): official fee US$458.
Trademark applications in Canada are administered by the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) under the authority of the Trademarks Act, 1985.
CIPO is responsible for the examination, publication, opposition, registration, and maintenance of trademarks across Canada. Canada follows a substantive examination system, ensuring that trademarks are distinctive, lawful, and non-conflicting with prior rights before registration.
On this page
Canada trademark registration at a glance
- IP office
- Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO), Gatineau, Quebec
- Law
- Trademarks Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. T-13 (amended 2019)
- System
- First-to-file (since June 17, 2019); first-to-use also recognised
- Classification
- Nice Classification, 12th edition, 45 classes
- Multi-class filing
- Yes, since June 17, 2019
- Madrid Protocol
- Yes, in force from June 17, 2019
- Language
- English and French (applications accepted in either)
- Opposition period
- 2 months from advertisement in the Trademarks Journal
- Typical timeline
- 18–24 months for straightforward applications without objections
- Validity
- 10 years from registration date, renewable for successive 10-year terms
- Official fees
- CAD 458 government filing fee (first class, online) + CAD 139 per additional class
- Power of attorney
- Not required; a CPATA-registered trademark agent must be appointed for non-resident applicants
* Timelines assume no objections or oppositions. Laws change, so contact us to confirm current requirements.
Why register your trademark in Canada
Exclusive Rights
Grants you exclusive legal ownership and control over your trademark for the registered goods/services throughout Canada.
Legal Enforcement
Enables you to take action against infringement, counterfeiting, and unauthorized use through the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) and relevant courts.
Nationwide Protection
Secures trademark protection across the entire territory of Canada.
Regional Protection Advantage
Canada is a member of the Madrid Protocol, allowing international trademark protection through a single application across multiple member countries.
Our trademark services in Canada
End-to-end support from our licensed in-country attorneys, from the first search to lifelong protection.
Attorney-Assisted Search
In-depth legal search for potential conflicts in Canada.
Trademark Registration Services
Complete filing and application management for Canada trademarks.
Trademark Renewal Services
Hassle-free renewals to maintain your Canada trademark protection.
Watch & Monitoring Services
Continuous monitoring of Canada trademarks to identify potential conflicts.
Ownership Transfer / Assignment
Efficient handling of trademark ownership transfers in Canada.
Licensing & Franchising Support
Expert guidance to license or expand your Canada brand.
Trademark registration process in Canada
Here is how to register a trademark in Canada, step by step.
Here is the step-by-step process followed for trademark registration in Canada.
Filing
The application is submitted via CIPO's online portal, with the trademark representation, applicant details, and list of goods/services. Upon payment of fees, an official filing number is issued immediately.
Examination
CIPO examines the application for formal and substantive compliance. Minor issues may be resolved through examiner communication before a formal objection is issued.
Acceptance & Publication
If the application clears examination without objections, the mark is published in the Trademarks Journal for opposition.
Opposition Period
Third parties may file an opposition within 2 months from publication. If no opposition is filed or it is unsuccessful, the application proceeds further.
Registration
After payment of the registration fee, the official Certificate of Registration is granted.
Validity & Renewal
The Registered trademark is valid for a term of ten years, with the option to renew indefinitely in successive ten-year periods by paying the prescribed renewal fees.
Start your application in a few minutes. Nothing is filed until you approve the written quote.
Documents required for trademark registration in Canada
Applicant’s name and mailing address of the applican
A representation or description, or both, of the trademark
Description of goods/services
Passport copy of Applicant / Authorized Signatory
The statement of goods and services grouped according to the Nice Classification
For Foreign Applicants: A Canadian trademark agent must be appointed. A signed Power of Attorney is required to formalize the agent's appointment but is not needed to initially file the application.
Power of attorney requirements for foreign applicants in Canada
Canada does not require a notarised or legalised power of attorney for trademark filings. However, non-resident applicants must appoint a trademark agent registered with the College of Patent Agents and Trademark Agents (CPATA) to represent them before CIPO. This requirement has been in effect since June 28, 2021, when CPATA became the regulatory body for IP agents in Canada. The appointed agent acts on the applicant's behalf for all prosecution matters, including responding to office actions and maintaining the registration.
Trademark registration fees in Canada
Fees in USD. We confirm the full cost in writing before you instruct us.
| Service | Official fee |
|---|---|
| Filing / Application Fee (First Class)(Online) | 458 |
| Each Additional Class | 139 |
* Fees are indicative and subject to change. Contact us for the latest details.
Timeline, validity and renewal
How long registration takes
Approx. 18–24 months for registration in a straightforward case without objections.
Validity and renewal
A registered trademark in Canada is valid for 10 years from the date of registration. It can be renewed for successive 10-year periods by filing a renewal request and paying the prescribed renewal fee before the expiry date. CIPO sends renewal reminders, but it is the owner's responsibility to ensure timely renewal to avoid loss of protection.
National filing vs Madrid Protocol in Canada
There are two main routes to secure trademark protection in Canada. Applicants can file directly with the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) through the national route, or designate Canada in an international registration under the Madrid Protocol. Each route has its own advantages depending on your business's geographic reach and IP strategy.
National Filing (Direct with CIPO)
- File directly with the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) online or by mail.
- Applications can cover multiple classes of goods and services in a single filing.
- Government filing fee: CAD 458 for the first class + CAD 139 per additional class (online filing).
- Non-resident applicants must appoint a CPATA-registered trademark agent.
- Examination typically takes 12–18 months; total timeline 18–24 months if unopposed.
- Opposition period of 2 months from publication in the Trademarks Journal.
- Registration is valid for 10 years and renewable for successive 10-year periods.
- No requirement for a declaration of use before or at registration.
Madrid Protocol (International Route)
- Designate Canada in an international application filed through WIPO under the Madrid Protocol (available since June 17, 2019).
- The international application must be based on a home registration or pending application in your country of origin.
- WIPO forwards the designation to CIPO, which examines it under Canadian law.
- A CPATA-registered agent must still be appointed for prosecution in Canada.
- Individual designation fee applies (currently CHF 248 per class).
- Ideal for businesses seeking trademark protection in Canada alongside multiple other Madrid member countries.
- The international registration is dependent on the home mark for the first five years (central attack risk).
- Registration term follows the international registration cycle (10 years, renewable).
What to know before filing in Canada
Conduct a comprehensive search
Before filing, search CIPO's Canadian Trademarks Database and common-law sources; Canada recognises prior use rights even under the first-to-file system.
Use the Madrid Protocol strategically
Since June 2019, international applicants can designate Canada through a Madrid filing, which simplifies multi-country protection but still requires a CPATA agent for local prosecution.
Understand the Statement of Use rules
Canada no longer requires a declaration of use before registration (post-June 2019 reform), but a registration may be challenged and expunged if the mark is not used within three years.
File in both English and French if possible
Although applications can be filed in either official language, consider filing bilingual descriptions for broader protection, especially for marks with a descriptive element.
Watch the Trademarks Journal
The opposition period is only two months, so set up monitoring to protect your own marks against confusingly similar applications filed by third parties.
Budget for additional classes
Canada now allows multi-class applications, but each additional class incurs an extra government fee of CAD 139, so plan your class strategy to balance cost and coverage.
Client stories
Businesses that trust us with their brands across borders.
What sets Legacy Partners apart is their dedication to building strong client relationships. Their team was approachable, responsive, and always ready to guide us through the trademark registration process. We felt valued and supported from start to finish.
Working with Legacy Partners for our trademark registration was an excellent experience. Their expertise, attention to detail, and clear guidance made the process smooth and hassle free. We truly appreciate their responsive communication, personalized service, and commitment to building strong client relationships. Highly recommended for professional and reliable trademark service.
Legacy Partners provided excellent support throughout our trademark registration process. Their expertise, attention to detail, and professional approach gave us confidence at every stage. We truly appreciate their reliable service and commitment to protecting our brand.
* Client stories are shared with permission.
Trademark registration in Canada: FAQ
How long does trademark registration take in Canada?
Registration in Canada typically takes 18–24 months for straightforward applications without objections. Objections or oppositions can extend this.
How long is a trademark valid in Canada?
A registered trademark in Canada is valid for 10 years from registration date, renewable for successive 10-year terms.
Can I protect my trademark in Canada through the Madrid System?
Madrid Protocol status for Canada: Yes, in force from June 17, 2019.
Can a trademark application be opposed in Canada?
Opposition period in Canada: 2 months from advertisement in the Trademarks Journal.
Which classification system does Canada use?
Canada uses the Nice Classification, 12th edition, 45 classes.
What language is a trademark application filed in for Canada?
Applications in Canada are filed in English and French (applications accepted in either).
What documents do I need to register a trademark in Canada?
You will typically need: Applicant’s name and mailing address of the applican; A representation or description, or both, of the trademark; Description of goods/services; Passport copy of Applicant / Authorized Signatory; The statement of goods and services grouped according to the Nice Classification; For Foreign Applicants: A Canadian trademark agent must be appointed. A signed Power of Attorney is required to formalize the agent's appointment but is not needed to initially file the application..
Trademark registration in nearby countries
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Register your trademark in Canada today
Speak to our trademark consultants in Canada. Send your mark and we will reply with a free search and a fixed written quote within one working day.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Official requirements and fees can change; we confirm the current position for your matter before filing.
