Knowledge Center: Strong vs Weak Trademarks

What Makes a Trademark Strong? A Practical Guide for Canadian Entrepreneurs

If you're building a brand in Canada, choosing the right trademark is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. A strong trademark doesn’t just help customers remember you—it protects your business legally and gives you the exclusive rights to grow with confidence. In this guide, we’ll walk you through five...

Trademarks Update

CIPO Trademark Amendments Now in Force

Amendments to Canada’s Trademarks Act and Regulations took effect April 1, 2025. These changes are part of the Government of Canada’s Intellectual Property Strategy. They give the Registrar of Trademarks new powers and improve trademark procedures. Main Changes at a Glance Here are the key updates that took effect today: New authority...

IP Decisions: Arc'teryx vs Adidas

Battle of the Brands: A Trademark Showdown in the Sports Industry

In the world of trademarks, a recent case has caught the attention of many. This case involves two major players in the sports industry, Amer Sports Canada Inc. and Adidas Canada Limited. As a Canadian trademark agent, I find this case particularly interesting due to its implications for trademark owners...

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Important Updates on Canadian Intellectual Property Regulations

This is to advise of some significant changes to the Canadian Intellectual Property regulations. These regulations pertain to the Patent Rules, Trademark Regulations, Industrial Design Regulations, and Copyright Regulations. Amendments to these Rules were registered on June 1st.  They incorporate government fee increases of approximately 25%, as well as an expansion...

Knowledge Center: Trademark FAQs

Frequently Asked Trademark Questions & Answers

The following are frequently asked trademark questions and answers. These questions and answers are provided for information purposes only and do not constitute legal trademark advice. What is a trademark? A trademark is a symbol, word, scent, sound or phrase that is used to identify and distinguish the goods or services of...

Canadian Trademarks Update: Madrid Protocol, the Singapore Treaty and the Nice Agreement 

Canadian Trademarks Update: Madrid Protocol, the Singapore Treaty and the Nice Agreement  In accordance with new Canadian trademark laws, today the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) announced that the Madrid Protocol, the Singapore Treaty and the Nice Agreement have now come into force for Canada. These changes give Canadian businesses access...