Cost to Register Trademark Canada: A Beginner's Guide

Having a trademark in Canada is a crucial step in protecting your brand. As a startup or a business that is growing, you need to know the costs incurred to register trademark Canada. This way, you can plan better. In this guide, you will get to know the total cost of trademark registration along with the factors that affect the price.

Approximate Cost of Registering Trademark in Canada

The average price of trademark registration in Canada typically ranges from CAD 2,000 to CAD 4,000, excluding taxes. This figure includes government filing fees and legal costs, as well as other expenses such as search fees, reports, and the handling of objections or opposition.

The cost is typically spread over a period of two or more years, depending on the smoothness of the process. Although one can file on their own, most businesses prefer to hire professionals to avoid failure or delay. Trademark registration is a valuable investment that helps protect your brand. It will bring your brand exclusive rights to the Canadian market.

Factors Affecting the Cost

The amount one will pay to register trademark Canada may change based on several factors. These factors significantly contribute to determining the total cost. By understanding these cost drivers, you can establish a more accurate budget and avoid unexpected expenses.

1.    Choose the Right Class

The Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) applies fees based on class of goods or services charged. When your trademark spans multiple categories, there is an increased cost. When selecting appropriate classes, you can prevent future amendments and extra payments.

2.    Preliminary Trademark Search

It is crucial to carry out a trademark search before filing. This is to make sure that your mark does not clash with prior marks. So, conduct a straightforward search on your own to save money. However, hiring a professional search can be expensive. However, this action helps avoid the rejection of the application.

3.    Oppositions from Third Parties

At the publication stage, third parties can fight your trademark in case they feel it is an infringement of their own trademark. It will probably demand hiring a legal representative to defend your mark in this case. This may increase the expense significantly, especially when the opposition goes to court.

4.    Post-Registration Costs

After being registered, your trademark must be maintained. It must stand renewal every now and then. So, you need to pay 10 year renewal fee. Any change or update in the law may incur extra expenses. It means that you need to spend this money to stay compliant which is crucial to safeguard future brand rights.

Filing a trademark Canada is not an exercise that comes with filing fees only. Such several aspects can influence the total price. They are the availability of legal assistance, the number of classes, and potential objections. Therefore, proper scheduling, adequate searches, and budgeting to handle the hassles will enable a smooth process. It also ensures the long-term security of your brand in the Canadian marketplace.