On June 17, 2019 a big change is taking place in Canada’s Trademark world and it will matter to your Brand, if you don’t already have a registered Trademark.
The current Canadian system is the first party to prove use of the Trademark is the one who is allowed to register it. On June 17, 2019 this changes to the first to register the Trademark.
These changes are anticipated to increase the existence of “Trademark Squatters” in Canada – ie people who register and then look for you to pay them to own the Trademark.
If you currently have a Brand that does not have a Registered Trademark, you may wish to consider applying for a Trademark prior to June 17, 2019. Not only will you be protecting yourself, the fees are going up on June 17, 2019 as well.
As always when things change as dramatically as the Trademark Registrations are, people ask why? The answer is that these changes will align Canadian Trademark law with the EU and the USA, making it easier to protect Trademarks across borders.
We’re here to help, both before and after June 17, 2019.
Inga B. Andriessen, JD – Registered Trademark Agent