Yesterday, Canada and the European Union officially signed the
Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), clearing the way
for ratification. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also
indicated that Canada will seek to implement enabling legislation
within the coming months.
The primary goal of CETA is to eliminate or reduce tariffs on
trade between Canada and the EU and the harmonization of other
rules to encourage trade. IP owners should be aware of CETA's
impact on Canadian intellectual property law, particularly in the
fields of trademarks and pharmaceutical patents. More details can
be found in our IP Update of
September 29, 2014.
Trademarks and Geographical Indications –
Canada will be required to make reasonable efforts to comply with
the Singapore Treaty and accede to the Madrid Protocol. Following
the 2014 amendments to the Trademarks Act, Canada is
already on its way to compliance.
