The trademarking process in Canada has only gotten longer over the years. As of 2025, expect the whole journey to take anywhere from 2.5 to 3 years or more. Yes, it’s still painfully slow.
Back in the day, trademark examiners would start reviewing applications within six months of filing. Then it crept up to eight months, nine, eleven... Now, it's common to wait over a year before your application even gets its first look by an examiner. Unfortunately, many applications just sit in the queue. I know, it’s super frustrating, but that’s the reality.
The best advice? Start early and adjust your expectations accordingly. Trademarking is a marathon, not a sprint.
The Trademark Process in Canada: The Basics Remain the Same
The process itself hasn’t changed much compared to other countries.
Step 1: Conduct a comprehensive trademark search.
This part is still technically optional — CIPO won’t ask for proof that you searched — but it’s absolutely critical. Why start a 3-year process if your trademark isn’t registrable? A proper search goes beyond just looking for exact matches. It should identify potentially conflicting trademarks, variations, and similar marks that could block your registration.
Doing this upfront saves you time and money down the road.
What Does It Cost to Trademark a Name in Canada in 2025?
Government fees have stayed relatively stable:
$330 CAD for filing in the first class of goods and services.
$100 CAD for each additional class.
For example, if you apply in four classes, the filing fees will be $630 CAD (330 + 3 × 100). And yes, Canada continues to use the Nice Classification system, so make sure you correctly identify and group your goods/services.
Most applications are filed online via CIPO’s website — which, thankfully, is much smoother now than it was a few years ago.
Paper Mail? Yes, Still!
Despite advances in digital communication, CIPO still sends official notices and office actions by paper mail.
You’ll get envelopes full of letters that they could easily email, but nope — it’s paper, fax, or regular mail. The irony? The only official document they send electronically is your trademark registration certificate — as a PDF!
Many law firms and agents (including us) print these certificates, frame them, and mail a nice keepsake to our clients — because after all, it’s worth celebrating when your mark finally registers.
Responding to Office Actions
If you receive an office action, you typically have six months to respond. Responses must be sent by mail or fax — still no email or online submission for this part.
Be prepared for potentially long wait times after each response. It can be months before you hear back, and you may have to respond multiple times before things move forward.
Oppositions and Publication
Once your application passes examination, it gets published in the Trademarks Journal for opposition.
Anyone has two months to oppose or request a three-month extension.
If opposed, the process can become complex, with procedural back-and-forth and possibly oral hearings.
If no one opposes or if you win, your trademark is allowed and registered.
Trademark Renewal
Once registered, trademarks in Canada must be renewed every 10 years to keep them active.
How We Can Help — Flat Fee, No Surprises
As a registered Canadian trademark agent, our all-inclusive flat fee covers everything from filing to registration (excluding oppositions, which we handle in a separate package).
We don’t do bait-and-switch pricing. If we fail to get your trademark registered, you get a full refund, no matter how much work we put in.
The cost shouldn’t stop you from protecting your brand. If you’re serious about your business, our fees are very manageable and fair compared to the long-term value a trademark provides.
Want to Learn More or Get Started?
Subscribe to my channel for daily trademark tips, and if you’re ready to protect your brand in Canada, head to trademarkfactory.com or trademarkfactory.ca and book your free call with one of our strategy advisors. The call is free, but the advice is priceless.