The International Comparative Legal Guide To: Trade Marks 2015 - Canada

1 Relevant Authorities and Legislation

1.1 What is the relevant Canadian trade mark authority?

The Canadian Intellectual Property Office ("CIPO"), an agency of Industry Canada, is responsible for the administration and processing of intellectual property in Canada. The Office of the Registrar of Trademarks (the "Registrar") oversees the trademark process in Canada and is the governing authority on matters relating to trademarks.

1.2 What is the relevant Canadian trade mark legislation?

The Canadian Trade-marks Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. T-13, as amended is the relevant Canadian trademark legislation.

Bill C-31, a federal bill which will, among other things, implement significant changes to the Canadian trademarks regime, received Royal Assent on June 19, 2014. The date on which the Bill, Economic Action Plan 2014 Act, No. 1, will be proclaimed in force has not yet been announced, but it is likely that full implementation of the Bill will occur in late 2016 or