New Developments in Canadian Trademark Registration

The Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) launched TDRS and electronic communications in 2023, announcing new technological advances in trademark registration at CIPO.

TDRS is an online trademark document search service. It allows the public to retrieve electronic copies of documents issued by and submitted to CIPO related to Canadian trademark applications and registrations. These documents include documents submitted during examination, opposition and Section 45 proceedings. Prior to the introduction of TDRS, obtaining documents related to an application or registration required requesting paper copies from CIPO.

Second, the ability for trademark agents, brand owners, opponents, and parties to Article 45 proceedings to communicate with CIPO by email has been enhanced. Those who wish to utilize electronic communications must select and choose email as their preferred method of receiving communications. If no action is taken, CIPO will default to sending communications by email.