Expedited Examination Now Available For COVID-19 Related Trademarks

The Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) published a practice notice entitled "Requests for expedited examination" (Practice Notice) on December 14, stating that it will accept requests for expedited examination of trademark applications associated with COVID-19 related medical goods and services. This pilot initiative will be effective from December 14, 2020 to August 31, 2021 (or until the Registrar of Trademarks deems appropriate).

What you need to know

• The Registrar generally examines trademark applications in the order of their filing date. However, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, CIPO will now accept requests to examine certain COVID-19 related applications out of sequence to ensure Canadians have timely access to important medical products and services.