08/23/2026
Your business name, your logo, and your slogan are not automatically protected the moment you create them.
In Canada, trademark protection comes from registration with the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) or, in some cases, from demonstrating prior use in the Canadian marketplace. But without registration, your protection is limited, harder to enforce, and may not hold up if another business registers a similar mark.
A registered trademark gives you the exclusive right to use it across Canada in association with your goods or services. It also gives you a powerful legal tool to stop others from using confusingly similar names or branding.
The registration process takes time - often 18 to 24 months, which means the best time to file is earlier than most business owners think. Filing before you launch publicly is ideal.
Find experienced intellectual property lawyers at toplawyerscanada.ca