Major Changes to Canadian Trademark Law happened when Canada updated its Trademarks Act effective June 19, 2014.
Some of the minor changes are:
- Trade-mark became trademark;
- Wares became goods;
Some of the major changes are:
- A mark becomes a sign, which is far more expansive;
- The concept of a “proposed trade-mark” is gone!
- The definition of a “distinguishing guise” is gone!
- The length of a trademark registration is reduced to 10 years from 15 years;
Here is a line by line listing of the June 19, 2014 changes:
Footer Notes:
- Non-commercial Reproduction:
- The reproduction of Amendments to the Trade-marks Act is a copy of an official work that is published by the Government of Canada and the reproduction has not been produced in affiliation with, or with the endorsement of the Government of Canada.
- David Michaels, J.D., B.Eng.(Mech), CHRM has exercised due diligence in ensuring the accuracy of the materials reproduced, however, he refers readers to the official version posted at: http://www.parl.gc.ca/HousePublications/Publication.aspx?Mode=1&DocId=6495200&Language=E&File=407#19
- The complete title of the materials reproduced is: Bill C-31, First Reading 41-2, namely, Amendments to the Trade-marks Act and the author organization is PARLIAMENT of CANADA, Government of Canada.
- This reproduction of the Amendments to the Trade-marks Act is posted for non-commercial purposes in accordance the Government of Canada’s: Terms and conditions