Registering a trade-mark is the best way to obtain the exclusive right to use the mark in all of Canada in association with the wares and services for which the registration is obtained. While the Trade-Marks Office can provide basic guidance, it is recommended that a specialist (a trade-mark agent or trade-mark lawyer) be consulted.

Some of the reasons to trade mark are:

• An expectation of a large market

• It will add prestige and thus improve sales

• Foresee a geographical expansion

• Are considering to permit others to use the trademark (e.g. franchises, distributors)

• Do not wish others to adopt a "copycat" trade-mark to the one they wish to use

• Wish to use in packaging and labeling to make it clear who they are

• Wish to use the trade-mark in a consistent fashion with all products and services offered
• To have exclusive rights throughout the country

A trademark is almost anything distinctive (as opposed to descriptive) which a business uses to distinguish its products or services from the products or services of its competitors. It can be a word (including the name of the company), a combinations of words, a design or "logo", a combination of colors, a packaging design, or even the shape of the product itself or its container.

Trade-Marks Office

Industry Canada

Phase 1, Place du Portage

Hull, Quebec

K1A 0S9

Tel: 1-800-567-4422

Tel: (819) 956-4800

Canada Trade mark web site address: http://cipo.gc.ca

US Trade mark web site address: www.uspto.gov

CANADIAN TRADE-MARK: Call 613-739-2956 (Ottawa) for forms or use a local Trade Mark agent.

U.S.A. TRADE-MARK : It is best to use a Trade Mark agent (look under lawyers in the Yellow pages) for filing of an application.

Note: In Canada there are 42 different classes to choose from.

Filing Fee to register per class is an average of $250.00 US per class in the USA.