For additional information regarding IP, please see the IP Resources section.
Why IP Matters?
Why register your trademark?
Costs for Trademark Registration
When should you file to register your trademark?
What information is required to file a trademark application?
How long does it take to register a trademark?
What are your fees?
Why hire a trademark professional?
Why choose Sander Law?
Why IP matters?
Intellectual Property (IP) is a form of intangible property. Just as you receive ownership rights in tangible property, like your house or car, IP can afford you ownership rights relating to your brand, designs, artistic works and inventions.
Thinking about IP early on in your business will help you protect and obtain exclusive rights over your IP assets, giving you a competitive advantage over competitors.
As well, being aware of IP will also help you avoid costly missteps, like infringing on someone else’s IP rights.
Why register your trademark?
By using a trademark (e.g. brand name, product name, logos) over a period of time, you may acquire unregistered rights in the trademark. However, these rights will typically be limited to the geographical area you use the trademark and your enforcement rights will also be limited as compared to a registered trademark.
Just as you invest in your business with equipment, advertising etc., you should consider registering your trademark as another investment in your business, an investment that provides value for 10 years (updated June 2019) and rights are renewable.
Registering your trademark provides multiple benefits including:
- Valuable Business Asset
- Exclusive Rights for 10 years across Canada (updated June 2019)
- Proof of Ownership
- Deter Infringers from copying
- Greater enforcement options against infringers
Learn more about these benefits: 5 Reasons to Register your Trademark
Costs for Trademark Registration
Fixed rate fees are offered for trademark registration services. These fees are generally spread out over a 12 to 24 month period.
Trademark registration is an investment in your business, an investment that provides value for 10 years (updated June 2019) and rights are renewable.
Get in touch for a fee estimate.
When should you file to register your trademark?
Generally, the earlier you file an application to register your trademark the better. By registering your trademark, you secure your exclusive rights across Canada in the trademark and also put other entities on notice of your trademark (e.g. block another party from registering the trademark you are using).
You should consider registering your trademark once you have invested (e.g. time and money) in your brand and don’t want to lose that investment by being required to re-brand.
For example, consider your dollar investment in the trademark. Think about how much you have spent on advertising, letterhead, business cards, domains etc. with your trademark and what would it cost if you were required to re-brand your business because you later learn you are infringing another party’s trademark rights. If having to re-brand would be expensive and time-consuming for your business, trademark registration is recommended.
Get in touch today to register your trademark.
What information is required to file a trademark application?
To file a trademark, the following information is required:
- Identification of Trademark
- Name and Address of Applicant
- List of goods and/or services for which the trademark has been or will be used in association with
- If applicable, date of first use of the trademark
How long does it take to register a trademark?
Generally in Canada it takes between 18 months to 2 years from the date of filing the trademark application to reach registration.
Learn more about the trademark registration process in Canada.
What are your fees?
A fixed fee is provided for the majority of services. Get in touch for a fee estimate.
Why hire a trademark professional?
For important things, you generally seek the advice and services of a professional (e.g. for your dental health you go to a dentist). The same applies to your business. When it comes to your investment (e.g. time & money) in your brand, hiring a trademark professional makes sense. Trademark law has many nuances, and mistakes made in the application & registration process may be costly in the end (e.g. may invalidate or prevent a trademark registration).
Jennifer Sander BASc, JD is a licensed Lawyer and a Registered Trademark Agent. She has extensive experience and knowledge of trademarks to help you protect your brand.
Get in touch to discuss the next steps in protecting your brand.
Why choose Sander Law?
Jennifer Sander BASc, JD has 8+ years of experience in Intellectual Property law. She is a licensed Lawyer, a Registered Trademark Agent and a Registered Patent Agent.
Prior to founding Sander Law in 2017, she practiced for 7 years with a downtown Toronto IP boutique law firm and also with an international law firm. As well, she is a former Patent Examiner with the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO).