Canadian Trademark Legislative Changes

CIPO is making progress to modernize Canada’s intellectual property (IP) framework.

The following is an overview of the trademarks legislative work that is underway to help Canada better align itself with international best practices. Take a look at the Update to the trademarks online tools page to see which applications and forms will be adapted to better implement these changes.

Summary Canadian Trademark Legislative Changes:

• Canadian Trademarks legislative changes
  • Bill C-8 — Combating Counterfeit Products Act
  • Bill C-31 — Budget Implementation Act 2014
    • Acceding to the Nice Agreement
    • Acceding to the Singapore Treaty
    • Acceding to the Madrid Protocol
  • Bill C-59 — Budget Implementation Act 2015

Canadian Trademarks legislative changes

Participation in the international treaties will modernize Canada’s IP systems to better align with international best practices, reduce the administrative burden for innovative Canadian businesses, and draw foreign investment to Canada. It will also allow Canada to take part in discussions and influence matters related to IP on the international stage.

Three different bills with trademarks components received Royal Assent: Bill C-8, Bill C-31 (which includes accession to the Nice Agreement, the Singapore Treaty and the Madrid Protocol) and Bill C-59.  These amendments are all reflected in the modernized Trade-marks Act.

Important to know

To bring these new laws into force, we are in the process of reviewing our business procedures, office practices, policies, and informational contents. We are also working on adapting technologies such as web applications and databases and updating the Trademarks Regulations.

Read more at CIPO’s website