# Trademark registration in Canada

> Trademarks in Canada are registered with the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO); the official application filed online fee is CAD 491.06 for one class, and third parties can oppose within Two months after advertisement in the Trademarks Journal (Trademarks Act s. A registration lasts 10 years from the registration date and can be renewed. Canada can be designated through the Madrid System.

Source page: https://trademarkshub.com/trademarks/canada
Facts checked against official sources: 2026-10-11

## Key facts
- **Trademark office:** Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO)
- **Official fee:** CAD 491.06 — Application filed online (first class)
- **Madrid Protocol:** Member since 2019
- **Opposition period:** Two months after advertisement in the Trademarks Journal (Trademarks Act s
- **Protection:** 10 years from the registration date, renewable
- **Multi-class applications:** Allowed
- **Foreign applicants:** A Canadian trademark agent is not mandatory, but an owner without an office or place of business in Canada can appoint…

## Official links
- Law: Trademarks Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. T-13)

## Official fees (as of 2026-01)
- Application filed online (first class): CAD 491.06
- Application filed online (each additional class): CAD 149.04
- Application filed by other means (first class): CAD 640.10 — Each additional class CAD 149.04
- Renewal filed online (first class): CAD 595.06
- Renewal filed online (each additional class): CAD 185.49
- Renewal filed by other means (first class): CAD 744.10 — Each additional class CAD 185.49
- Statement of opposition: CAD 1,115.08
- Section 45 notice requiring evidence of use: CAD 595.06

## Steps
1. Search the Canadian Trademarks Database for earlier conflicting marks.
2. File the application with CIPO, listing goods and services grouped by Nice class, and pay the fee for the first and each additional class.
3. A CIPO examiner reviews the application for formal requirements, registrability and confusion with earlier marks, and may issue an examiner's report.
4. Once approved, the application is advertised in the Trademarks Journal.
5. Any person may file a statement of opposition within two months after advertisement.
6. If there is no opposition, or an opposition is decided in the applicant's favour, the Registrar registers the trademark and issues a certificate.

- **Examination:** CIPO trademark examiners examine each application for compliance and registrability, including confusion with earlier marks; no fixed official timeframe was confirmed from an official page.
- **Publication:** Trademarks Journal (published by CIPO)
- **Opposition:** Two months after advertisement in the Trademarks Journal (Trademarks Act s. 38(1))
- **Late renewal:** Renewal can be made in a window beginning 6 months before and ending 6 months after expiry; the registration is expunged if the fee is not paid within that period. The official fee table lists no late-renewal surcharge.
- **Language:** English or French
- **Use requirement:** a registration can be challenged after 3 years of non-use.

## Good to know
- Since 17 June 2019, use of a trademark is no longer required before registration, and goods and services must be classified under the Nice Classification.
- After 3 years from registration, anyone can ask the Registrar to require the owner to show use in Canada (section 45); unused marks can be expunged.
- Fees are adjusted every 1 January; online filing is cheaper than filing by other means.
- Applications may be filed in English or French.

## FAQ
### How much does it cost to register a trademark in Canada?
In 2026 the CIPO fee for an online application is CAD 491.06 for the first class and CAD 149.04 for each additional class. Filing by other means costs CAD 640.10 for the first class.

### Is Canada part of the Madrid Protocol?
Yes. The Madrid Protocol entered into force for Canada on 17 June 2019.

### How long does a Canadian trademark registration last?
A registration lasts 10 years from the registration date and can be renewed for further 10-year periods. Renewal can be made from 6 months before to 6 months after expiry.

### How long is the opposition period for a trademark in Canada?
Any person may file a statement of opposition within two months after the application is advertised in the Trademarks Journal.

### Do I need to use my trademark before registering it in Canada?
No. Since 17 June 2019 use is not required for registration, but after 3 years from registration the owner can be required to show use under section 45 of the Trademarks Act.

### Do foreign applicants need a Canadian agent?
A Canadian agent is not mandatory, but an owner with no place of business in Canada can appoint a representative for service in Canada to receive CIPO correspondence.

## Sources
- WIPO-administered treaties: Madrid Protocol contracting parties: https://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/treaties/ShowResults?treaty_id=8

Need a firm that files in Canada? Find one at https://trademarkshub.com/trademarks/canada (TrademarksHub lists IP firms by country; featured placements are paid and labelled).
General information, not legal advice.