According to the Trade-marks Act, the term "trade-mark" means a mark used by a person to distinguish his or her wares or services from others.

A trademark is a combination of letters, words, sounds or designs that distinguishes one company’s goods or services from those of others in the marketplace. A trademark is unique. It is important because over time, a trademark comes to stand not only for the actual goods and services you sell, but also for your reputation and brand.

By registering your trademark, you protect it under law from misuse by others, and you gain exclusive rights to use it throughout Canada for 15 years (a term that you can renew). Protecting your brand and the products and services it stands for is critical to your future sales. Your trademark is an important part of your brand, and registering it gives you the exclusive right to use it to sell your products and services.

Trademarks include letters, words, logos, product and service names, slogans and more. If you do not protect your trademark, a competitor could use it or something similar, which could confuse your customers.

Five reasons to register your trademark:

1. It shows that the trademark is yours.

2. It gives you exclusive rights to use the trademark across Canada for 15 years (and you can renew that indefinitely).

3. It stops others from using a confusingly similar trademark.

4. It allows you to flag infringements by others.

5. It helps you license your trademark, which you can use to make money and increase your brand’s popularity.

For general inquires, see A Guide to Trademarks for details on how to apply for and register a trademark and to see what you can and cannot register.

How to register your trademark - The IPED office can help you register your trademark. If you have questions about this, please contact Ellen MacKay, Director, Innovation Development at emackay@lakeheadu.ca