How to Search for Trademarks in Canada

Trademarks might be the last thing you think of when you start or expand your business, however having a registered trademark can be invaluable. When choosing a business name, making an informed decision can help prevent trademark infringements of others.

Speaking with a trademark agent or lawyer can provide insight into the complex world of trademarks.

Search Background

You can do a little of the search legwork on your own, so you enter your meetings well-informed. In 2016 alone, businesses registered 34,306 trademarks in the country, says the Canadian Intellectual Property Office in its "IP Canada 2017 Report."

Simple Search

You can search for similar trademarks to yours using the Canadian Trademarks Database. It includes pending applications, registered applications and expunged applications.

You search using keywords to find the most relevant results. The search is limited in that it only looks for exactly what you place in the search. For example, if you search "Trails", it will not locate "Trailz". From these results, determine the closest matches to your logo or trademark by using the advanced search engine.

Vital to Branding

A trademark should distinguishes your goods and services from others – or it should.

Your branding should help your company stand out. The combination of your logo, design, words, letters, and sounds should set you apart from all others. Performing a search can provide insight into the uniqueness of your chosen trademarks.

Conducting Your Search

1. Visit the Canadian Trademark Database search engine.
2. In the search field, "Enter search criteria" type the keywords describing your trademark.
3. Narrow your potential results by using the Additional Search Options. Choose "Trademarks" and "Word" plus "Registered."
4. Click the "Search" button.

Search twice – once in French, once in English.

Now, repeat the same search process, but instead of choosing "Word," tick the choice for "Design." This lets you search the database for potentially conflicting logos.

You need to study each possible trademark match to determine any potential conflicts. Your choice does not need to be an exact match for a problem to arise. Even if the name you chose sounds somewhat similar to a registered trademark – especially one operating in the same industry – the trademark office may reject your application.

Avoid potential legal issues by consulting with a trademark agent or lawyer in Edmonton before you begin your trademark process. Our law offices can help you navigate the complicated topic of trademarks.