From June 19 to July 21, 2017, the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (“CIPO”) held public consultations on proposed amendments to the Trademark Regulations.
The amendments, part of the modernization of Canada’s intellectual property framework, follow from changes made to the Trademarks Act to comply with the requirements of the Madrid Protocol, Singapore Treaty, and Nice Agreement.
Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP was pleased to host focus groups in Toronto (with the Toronto Intellectual Property Group) and Montreal on the draft amendments on July 17 and 19. Attendees heard directly from CIPO policy staff regarding the draft amendments, and engaged in an open discussion about the proposed amendments, their impact domestically and abroad, and how they could be improved. Discussion was lively, and CIPO staff received many insightful comments.
Additional comments and feedback on the proposed amendments to the Trademark Regulations can be sent to CIPO by email at: ic.cipo-consultations-opic.ic@canada.ca.