"Official Mark" Protection For School Boards

School boards in Ontario are facing new pressures as a result of declining enrolment and decreases in funding, competition for students from private speciality schools and scrutiny by much more informed and sophisticated local communities.  In response to these pressures, many school boards are trying to develop and communicate their 'brand'.

Trademarks and logos are valuable assets which identify the source of products or services, convey the brand identity of the owner and distinguish it from others. Although trademarks do not have to be registered in order to be protected, trademark registration is always of key concern and a good investment, as the scope of rights afforded by registration and the available means of enforcement are greater and more robust than for unregistered trademarks.