Trademark Services for Canadian Businesses
From clearance search through registration to enforcement, Onley Law offers the full range of Canadian trademark services. Our trademark practice is led by Trish Sawhney, a registered Canadian Trademark Agent and Associate Lawyer.
We work with SaaS founders, mobile app developers, fintech and legal tech companies, EdTech startups, and growing businesses across industries. Whether you are protecting a brand for the first time or building out a full portfolio, we provide fixed-fee or transparently-quoted work with no billable-hour surprises.
Our Trademark Services
Trademark Clearance Search →
Before you file, before you spend on branding: a comprehensive availability assessment in the Canadian Trademarks Database, common-law uses, and business name registries. Fixed-fee written opinion.
Trademark Registration →
End-to-end Canadian trademark filing and prosecution with CIPO. From application drafting through examination to registration certificate. Led by Trish Sawhney, registered Canadian Trademark Agent.
Office Action Response →
CIPO has raised an objection. We assess the examiner’s reasoning, prepare and file the response, and follow up through to allowance. Time-sensitive: you have six months to respond.
Trademark Opposition →
Whether opposing a third party’s application that conflicts with your mark, or defending your own application against opposition, we handle the full proceeding before the Trademarks Opposition Board.
Trademark Infringement Letter →
Someone is using your mark, your name, or a confusingly similar version. A properly drafted cease-and-desist letter from a Canadian lawyer often resolves the issue without litigation.
Trademark Licensing Agreement →
Whether you are licensing your brand to franchisees, manufacturers, or partners, or you are the licensee, we draft and negotiate trademark licence agreements that protect the mark’s validity and your business interests.
How Our Trademark Process Works
Initial Consultation
We discuss your mark, your business, and your goals. We identify whether you need a clearance search, full registration, or something narrower.
Clearance Search
We search the Canadian Trademarks Database, common-law uses, and business name registries. We provide a written opinion on registrability and conflict risk.
Filing & Prosecution
We file with CIPO, monitor examination, respond to Office Actions, and handle any opposition. You receive clear status updates throughout.
Registration & Maintenance
Once registered, your mark is protected for 10 years and renewable indefinitely. We track renewal deadlines and watch the Trademarks Journal for conflicts.
Meet Your Trademark Counsel
Trish Sawhney, BMus (Hons), B.A., LL.B
Registered Canadian Trademark Agent | Associate Lawyer
Trish leads Onley Law’s trademark practice, from clearance and registration through prosecution and enforcement. She combines legal expertise with creative insight from a background rooted in the arts, giving her a first-hand understanding of the importance of protecting creative and brand assets.
Her clients value her ability to explain legal concepts in straightforward, digestible language. From negotiating deals to advising on intellectual property matters, Trish brings a personalized approach that delivers results.
Frequently Asked Questions About Canadian Trademarks
How much does it cost to trademark a business name in Canada?
Canadian trademark costs have two components: the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) government filing fee and your legal/agent fees. The CIPO online filing fee in 2026 is $491.06 for the first class of goods or services, plus $149.04 for each additional class. Onley Law’s professional fees vary by scope. Contact us for a fixed-fee quote.
How long does it take to register a trademark in Canada?
From filing to registration, the typical timeline at CIPO is 24 to 36 months for an unopposed application. Examination can take 18 to 24 months on its own. Faster registration is possible if there are no objections and no opposition. We provide timeline estimates as part of every clearance opinion.
Do I need a registered Trademark Agent to file a trademark in Canada?
Yes. Under the College of Patent Agents and Trademark Agents Act, only a registered Canadian Trademark Agent can file and prosecute trademark applications at CIPO on behalf of a third party. Onley Law’s trademark practice is led by Trish Sawhney, a registered Canadian Trademark Agent.
What is a trademark clearance search and why do I need one?
A clearance search investigates whether your proposed mark is available to register and use in Canada. It checks the Canadian Trademarks Database, common-law uses, business name registries, and domain registrations. Skipping a clearance search is one of the most expensive mistakes a Canadian business can make: a single objection, opposition, or infringement claim downstream can cost many times the upfront search fee.
What is the difference between TM and the registered trademark symbol?
TM is an unofficial mark anyone can use to indicate they claim something as a trademark, even without registration. The registered trademark symbol can only be used once your trademark is registered with CIPO. Using the registered symbol before registration is a misrepresentation under Canadian law.
What is a CIPO Office Action and how do I respond?
An Office Action is a written objection from a CIPO examiner identifying issues with your trademark application. Common grounds include confusion with existing marks, descriptiveness, or improper classification. You have six months to respond. Failing to respond, or responding inadequately, results in the application being abandoned. We respond to Office Actions on a fixed-fee or hourly basis depending on complexity.
Can I register a trademark in Canada if it’s already registered in the United States?
Yes, but it is a separate application at CIPO. US registration provides no rights in Canada. You can file a Canadian application claiming priority based on your US application if filed within six months. We help Canadian and cross-border businesses coordinate both jurisdictions.
Should I trademark my logo, my business name, or both?
It depends on which is doing the heaviest brand-distinguishing work. A word mark (the business name as text) protects the name in any visual form, which is usually broader. A design mark (the logo) protects the specific visual. Many growing businesses register both. A clearance opinion will recommend the best protection strategy for your specific situation.
Ready to Protect Your Brand?
Pick the trademark service you need. We will provide a fixed-fee quote within one business day.
Need a custom scope quote, or have a question not covered above? Contact us directly →