IP Protection & Trademark Registration
Protect your brand, inventions, and creative works with comprehensive Canadian IP strategy and trademark registration services.
Why IP Protection Matters for Canadian Businesses
Your intellectual property – trademarks, trade secrets, copyrighted works, and inventions – is often the most valuable asset your business owns. Without proper protection, competitors can copy your brand, employees can walk away with proprietary knowledge, and contractors can claim ownership of work you paid for.
At Onley Law, we help Canadian businesses build and protect their IP portfolios proactively, not reactively. From trademark registration to IP assignment agreements, we ensure your intangible assets are legally secured.
Our IP and Trademark Services
Canadian Trademark Registration: We handle the full trademark registration process with the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO), from preliminary searches through filing, examination, and registration. We advise on trademark selection, classification, and enforcement strategy.
IP Assignments and Licensing: When you hire contractors, acquire businesses, or license technology, you need clear documentation of who owns what. We draft IP assignment agreements, licensing agreements, and technology transfer documents.
Trade Secret Protection: Confidential business information needs contractual protection. We draft NDAs, non-compete agreements, confidentiality policies, and employee IP assignment clauses to keep your trade secrets secure.
Copyright Strategy: For software companies, content creators, and creative businesses, copyright is a key asset. We advise on copyright registration, work-for-hire agreements, and content licensing.
IP Due Diligence: When buying or selling a business, IP due diligence ensures the target actually owns the IP being acquired. We review IP portfolios, chain of title, and potential infringement risks as part of our M&A practice.
Frequently Asked Questions About IP and Trademarks
What are the filing fees for a Canadian trademark application?
For 2026, the CIPO filing fee for an online application is $491.06 for the first class of goods or services, plus $149.04 for each additional class. If filing by paper or other non-online means, the first class fee is $640.10 (same additional class rate applies). We always file online on your behalf, so the lower rate applies.
Legal fees for a standard trademark application – including a preliminary clearance search and filing – typically range from $1,500 to $2,500. We provide a clear quote before starting.
Note: CIPO adjusts its fees annually each January. Contact us to confirm current rates at the time of filing.
How long does trademark registration take?
From filing to registration, the process typically takes 18 to 24 months. The timeline depends on whether the examiner raises any objections and whether any third parties oppose the application.
What is the difference between a trademark and a copyright?
A trademark protects brand identifiers (names, logos, slogans) used in commerce. A copyright protects original creative works (software code, written content, designs). Both are valuable but serve different purposes.
Do I need to register my trademark to have rights?
In Canada, you acquire some trademark rights through use alone (common law rights). However, registration provides much stronger protection, including nationwide exclusivity and the ability to prevent imports of infringing goods.
Who owns IP created by contractors?
In Canada, contractors generally own the IP they create unless there is a written agreement assigning it to you. This is why IP assignment clauses in contractor agreements are critical. We can review your existing agreements and draft proper IP assignment provisions.
Ready to Protect Your Intellectual Property?
Book a free 15-minute consultation. Call (905) 215-2156 or book online.