Using an unregistered mark, confers only limited rights and protections on the user/owner. Registration provides enhanced rights and advantages, including:

  • Proof of ownership
  • Exclusive use across Canada for up to 15 years (subject to renewals)
  • The right to sue others for infringement and claim additional damages
  • The right to claim priority and to apply for registration in the U.S., and many other countries, for up to 6 months.

The cost and procedures related to applications for trade-mark registration in Canada are set out below.

1. Searches

Prior to investing time and money in developing a new brand or trade-mark, and before using a mark in business or making application to register, it is prudent to undertake searches and to have the searches reviewed by counsel. There are different levels and types of searches which may be appropriate, depending on the circumstances. Clients may also request a written opinion.

 

 

 Fees

Disbursements1
(Search Company Fees) 
 
Full Availability (comprehensive search) 

 $500 – 1,0002

 $485
Registry (check of Trade-mark registry)

 $400

 $210
Design (for a logo)

 $500

 $225
Combined Design/ Word

 $500 - $1,0002

 $585
Combined U.S./ Canadian 

 $1,000 - $1,5002

 $1,100 

 
1 one day turnaround
2 for search and legal opinion


2. Applications

The following approximate fees apply for a single, straightforward trade-mark application in Canada. In the event of unanticipated complications, additional fees would be payable, based on the amount of time required to deal with the issues.

 

 

Fees 

Disbursements
(Government fees) 
Initial consultation / basic pre-screening 

 $500 - $1,000

  
Preparing / Filing Trade-Mark Application 

 $1,000 - $1,500

 $250
Responding to Trade-Marks office / prosecuting Application to conclusion 

$500 / per office action 

 
Registration and obtain Certificate 

$250 

$200 

Please note that the process of obtaining registration can be relatively slow, normally between 15-20 months from application to final registration in Canada.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.