Canada’s New Trademarks Act One Step Closer To Implementation

Bill C-31, one of two Bills currently before the Canadian Parliament that would amend Canada's trademark legislation, passed a significant milestone on the way to implementation by receiving Royal Assent on June 19, 2014.  As expected, the Bill passed without significant change and paves the way for Canada's adherence to the Madrid Protocol, Singapore Treaty and Nice Agreement, while also making other significant changes to the legislation.  In announcing Royal Assent, the Canadian Intellectual Property Office ("CIPO") made the following statement:

By joining international IP treaties, the Government is delivering on its continuing commitment to modernize Canada's intellectual property regime. Canadian businesses will have access to a trademark regime that is aligned with international best practices, that reduces costs and administrative burden, that facilitates their expansion in foreign markets, and that attracts foreign investment to Canada.