Canada: Trademark

The Canadian Intellectual Property Office has released findings from roundtable discussions with 53 small and medium-sized businesses across six cities, revealing significant challenges in protecting intellectual property. Business owners identified cost, slow timelines, complexity, and limited knowledge as major barriers to accessing IP protection in Canada. CIPO plans to use this feedback to shape its upcoming business strategy and has already initiated a review of its fee structure.

When brands rush to capitalize on celebrity events like the Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce wedding, they may unknowingly expose themselves to serious legal risks. From publicity rights violations to ambush marketing pitfalls, this analysis explores the legal minefields that businesses must navigate when attempting to associate themselves with high-profile cultural moments.

The Canadian Intellectual Property Office has introduced a digital certification service that transforms how applicants and rights holders obtain official IP documents. This new electronic system promises faster processing times and enhanced convenience compared to traditional paper-based methods. What does this mean for patent, trademark, industrial design, and copyright holders navigating IP prosecution and enforcement?