Trade-Marks Guide (page 6 of 15)
A Guide to Trade-marks (PDF - 2.91 MB - 42 pages)
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Filing a Trade-mark Application – Getting Started
Preparing a trade-mark application
A complete application includes:
- an application for registration;
- a formal drawing, if applicable; and
- the filing fee.
Your application
The main document in the registration process is your application. You must file a separate application for each trade-mark that you wish to register, although one application may cover both goods and services, or a number of goods or services, in respect of a given trade-mark.
To help you in preparing your application, you may use one of the two sample applications. These sample applications are used in the majority of requests received. It is important to note that, in some cases, additional information may be requested. Cases where additional information may be required include applications with regard to:
- certification marks;
- marks registered and used abroad; and
- registration of a trade-mark “made known” in Canada.
If you believe that your application falls under one of these three categories, we encourage you to contact CIPO’s Client Service Centre or your trade-mark agent.
Other suggested trade-mark forms are also available.
Formal drawings
If your trade-mark is anything other than a word or words, then a formal drawing of the design is required at the time you file the application.
The formal drawing should:
- be in black and white; and
- include a description of the colour(s) if colour is claimed as a feature of your trade-mark.
If you wish, you may use the special chart set out in section 28 of the Trade-marks Regulations to indicate your colours.
For detailed designs, a drawing as large as possible, but not exceeding 22 cm x 35 cm (8.5 inches x 14 inches), will allow for the clearest reproduction.
Note: In order to maintain registration, the mark must be used as registered, without alteration, including description of colour.
Filing fees
When you submit an application to register a trade-mark, you must pay the prescribed filing fee.
Payment may be made by credit card (VISA, MasterCard, or American Express), direct payment, postal money order, or cheque (postal money orders and cheques must be made payable, in Canadian dollars, to the Receiver General for Canada). Do not add federal and provincial taxes.