Intellectual Property Archives

July 10, 2020

Colourful or Colourless? Protecting a Colour Trademark

During a never-ending road trip, you finally come across a sign that is red and yellow and you're starving!What comes to your mind? Most likely McDonalds! Certain colours have gained recognition after a long period of use, such as the red and yellow colours used in the McDonalds logo, Tiffany's blue, or Starbucks Coffee's green

July 3, 2020

Determining Nice Classes for Trademarks in Canada

Since the CIPO's adoption of the Nice Agreement as of June 17, 2019, it is mandatory for trademark applicants to classify all goods and services under the Nice Classification system in accordance with the Trademarks Act. For those applying for a trademark for the first time, determining the appropriate class of goods and services for your brand can be a

October 10, 2019

Is Your Brand “Distinctive” Enough to be Trademarked?

In the WIPO IP Facts and Figures 2018 report, there were over 43.23 million active trademark registrations around the world. The truth is, however, a percentage of these trademark applications will not be eligible for registration approval. Why? A major reason for failure of a trademark application is because the trademark examiner has determined that

September 18, 2019

5 Startup Scenarios That Scream “Get a Trademark NOW!”

According to the Small Business Profile 2018 by the Ministry of Jobs, Trade, and Technology of BC, there has been an increase of 35,100 new small businesses in BC from 2014-2017. With the rapid growth of co-working spaces across the province, it is evident that BC is a hotbed for startups and entrepreneurs. What this

August 19, 2019

Beginners Guide: How to Perform a Trademark Search in Canada in 2019

Updated: August 19, 2019 So you just finalized your brand’s name and logo designs…but do they conflict with any registered trademarks in Canada? According to the Canadian Intellectual Property Office’s IP Canada 2017 Report, 34,306 trademarks were registered in 2016. When a trademark is registered, it is protected by law from the misuse of others. The