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ARTICLE · 18 NOVEMBER 2025

CIPO Updates Practice On 11-Point Maple Leaf For Trademarks And Industrial Designs

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Effective November 12, 2025, the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) has updated its approach to trademarks and industrial designs that incorporate the 11‑point maple leaf from the National Flag of Canada.

CanadaIntellectual Property
Kaleigh Zimmerman
Kaleigh Zimmerman
Pablo Tseng
Pablo Tseng
Aki Kamoshida
Aki Kamoshida
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Effective November 12, 2025, the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) has updated its approach to trademarks and industrial designs that incorporate the 11‑point maple leaf from the National Flag of Canada.

In brief:

  • The Trademarks Office will no longer require applicants to include a disclaimer of exclusive rights in the 11‑point maple leaf.
  • The Industrial Design Office will no longer refuse registration solely because a design includes the 11‑point maple leaf.
  • This change follows a review of section 4 of Order in Council P.C. 1965‑1623, which sets out conditions that, if met, result in consent to use the maple leaf in a trademark or industrial design. Applicants remain responsible for ensuring they are entitled to use the maple leaf, and voluntary disclaimers may still be recorded.

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The foregoing provides only an overview and does not constitute legal advice. Readers are cautioned against making any decisions based on this material alone. Rather, specific legal advice should be obtained.

© McMillan LLP 2025

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