Canada to join Madrid Protocol - June 17, 2019

Today, the government of Canada published new Trademark Regulations and announced June 17, 2019 as the date on which legislative amendments to the Trademarks Act enabling accession to the Madrid Protocol, Singapore Agreement and Nice Agreement will come into force.

The joining of these three International IP treaties follows nearly five years of consultation with stakeholders and represents the most significant changes to Canadian trademark law in over 50 years.

While not without controversy, the legislative amendments to the Act are expected to reduce cost and complexity for users of Canada’s trademark regime while giving Canadian businesses access to the international trademark registration system provided by the Madrid Protocol and making Canada a more attractive destination for foreign businesses.

Stayed tuned to this blog for more information about the legislative amendments and their impact on trademark practice in Canada.