From 1953 until 2013, Canada's Trademarks Act remained
largely unchanged (besides the welcome repeal of the old
"registered user" system). However, starting in 2013, and
continuing up to just weeks ago, successive Canadian governments
have introduced sweeping amendments to the trademark regime. Some
changes reflect the government's interest in international
harmonization of laws and membership in key trademark treaties,
while others can be traced to trade negotiations, including with
both Europe and the United States.
Many of the amendments were implemented on June 17 and ushered
in new legislation, regulations, fees, practices, forms, online
interfaces, search capabilities and an international filing system,
namely the Madrid Protocol. In short, we are witnessing a brand-new
approach to acquisition and registration of trademark rights in
Canada and abroad.
