Standard vs. Non-standard trademarks
The types of trademarks that can be filed are grouped into 2 categories: Standard character marks & Non-standard character marks.
Standard character trademarks
The Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) has a standard character set comprised of letters, numbers & symbols. If the trademark contains a combination of these elements, it may be filed as a Standard character trademark. This type of trademark provides the broadest protection, as your brand name is protected without any limitation as to the size, type of font or colour used.
Non-Standard character trademarks
Non-standard character trademarks include everything else, including design marks (e.g. logos or brand names in a specific font). As well, non-standard character trademarks includes non-traditional marks, most of which were introduced in the Trademarks Act amendment of June 17, 2019.
Non-traditional trademarks include:
- sound
- holograms
- moving images
- scent
- taste
- colour (on its own)
- 3D shapes
- mode of packaging goods
- texture
- positioning of a sign
Generally there are some additional requirements when filing for non- traditional trademarks.
Contact Sander Law to file your trademark application today!
The above content is for informational purposes only and is not legal or professional advice.