Canada's 150th Birthday: Celebrating With Marks, Designs And Signs

Happy Canada Day! Did you know that there are rules for using and displaying many Canadian symbols? An overview of some rules governing the use of such marks, designs, and signs is below. 

The 11-Point Maple Leaf

The public is generally free to use the 11-pointed maple leaf (i.e. the one that appears on the Canadian Flag) in a design or trademark provided such use conforms to "good taste". A general permission was set out in a 1965 order of the Privy Council (Order no. 1965-1623), passed in preparation for Canada's 1967 centennial celebrations. While the leaf design may be incorporated into a trademark, no rights will be acquired in the maple leaf itself, and the mark owner cannot prevent third parties from using the maple leaf.