Brand Protection: Beyond Trademarking

“Your brand is the single most important investment you can make in your business” – Steve Forbes A strong brand is the backbone of any successful company. It shapes and dictates everything around the business – company values, vision and direction, operation and sales processes, marketing

Is Your Brand “Distinctive” Enough to be Trademarked?

In the WIPO IP Facts and Figures 2021 report, there were over 64.4 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

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

Beginners Guide: How to Perform a Trademark Search in Canada

So, you’ve just finalized your brand’s name and logo designs – but have you ensured they won’t clash with any existing trademarks in Canada? In the dynamic world of intellectual property, it’s crucial to conduct a thorough trademark search before proceeding further. As revealed by the Canadian

Is Your Brand Prepared For Canada’s New Trademark Laws?

Starting June 17, 2019, the Canada Trade-marks Act will get a significant makeover that will impact the intellectual property assets of every startup, entrepreneur, and small business in BC. These amendments aim to streamline the Canadian trademark process and improve system infrastructure, to better align with

Now a Reality: International Trademark Protection for Canadian Businesses

The Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) is taking significant steps to help Canadian businesses expand to international markets through the modernization of Canada’s IP system. The CIPO will be joining three important international trademark treaties which will help Canadian businesses looking to enter or expand their presence

Re-branding or Opening a New Dental Practice – Is Your Name Trademark-able?

In CDSBC’s 2019-20 Annual Report, there are a total 3,951 registered dentists in British Columbia. There are also 700+ dental clinics currently operating across Vancouver and the Lower Mainland.   With more practices entering the marketplace, how do you ensure that your brand identity and reputation

Beginner’s Guide: Intellectual Property Protection in Canada [Infographic]

Did you just create a new brand? Invent a new product? Write a new book? There are many forms of intellectual property (IP) that can be registered with the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO). IP registration offers the owner exclusive legal rights and prevents unauthorized use. The

Know your IP Rights: Trademark Opposition in Canada

As of June 29th, 2018, there are currently 1,244 trademark registrations under opposition in Canada (as indicated in the Canadian Trademark Database). There are essentially two scenarios with respect to trademark opposition: Your trademark application is being challenged because the owner of a registered trademark believes