International Counsel
Canadian Trademark Lawyer for International Clients
Clearview Counsel provides reliable Canadian trademark prosecution, enforcement, and portfolio management for international law firms and businesses seeking trademark protection in Canada.
Why Trademarks Matter
Brands are vulnerable in Canada without protection.
Without a Canadian trademark registration, international businesses can struggle to secure and expand their brand in Canada.
Someone else could register a competing name in Canada, limiting your ability to operate in the country
Canadian competitors using a similar brand can confuse your customers outside of Canada
Without a registration, enforcing your trademark rights in Canada can be challenging and uncertain
Rebranding for the Canadian market can be costly and disrupt brand recognition built abroad
Services
How Clearview helps.
CIPO Filings
Direct filing with the Canadian Intellectual Property Office, handling all procedural requirements on behalf of foreign applicants and their counsel.
Paris Convention Priority
Convention priority filings that preserve your client's original filing date, managed within the six-month window with full documentation.
Prosecution Assistance
Strategic responses to examiner objections, amendments, and compliance requirements through each stage of prosecution.
Oppositions & Section 45
Representation in opposition and cancellation proceedings, whether initiating or defending.
Portfolio Management
End-to-end portfolio administration including renewals, assignments, and proactive deadline tracking.
Enforcement
Enforcement through cease and desist letters, CDRP domain disputes, and coordination with Canadian border services.
Clearance Searches
Thorough availability searches across the Canadian register, provincial business name databases, and common law sources.
Watching Services
Ongoing monitoring of new Canadian filings to identify potential conflicts with your client's registered and pending marks.
Testimonials
What clients say about Clearview.
"As a start-up founder, the trademark process initially felt intimidating and confusing, but Connor made everything clear and approachable from the start. He took the time to walk me through each step, patiently answered all of my questions, and paid close attention to every detail."
Francheska G.
"Connor was extremely knowledgeable, responsive, and thorough throughout the entire process. He took the time to clearly explain each step, made everything feel straightforward, and ensured the application was done properly and strategically."
Wilson L.
"We were in such a sticky situation when we received a Cease&Desist letter and we thought we would never get out of it!"
Somanpreet W.
Jurisdiction Guide
How the Canadian system differs.
Key differences to understand when filing trademarks in Canada.
Single Register System
Canada maintains one register (no Principal vs. Supplemental distinction). All marks must meet the same registrability threshold.
No Specimens Required
CIPO does not require declarations of use and specimens are rarely necessary.
Nice Classification
Canada adopted the Nice Classification system in 2019. Applications must specify goods and services by class, similar to the USPTO's practice.
No Intent-to-Use Basis
Canadian applications may be filed without a use or intent-to-use basis. Use is not required before registration.
Opposition Period
The opposition period runs for two months from advertisement (extendable), compared to 30 days at the USPTO.
Registration Term
Locally-filed Canadian registrations are valid for 10 years (renewed in 10-year periods), matching the current USPTO term.
How it Works
Working with Clearview Counsel.
Whether you are an international law firm or a business expanding into Canada, Clearview adapts to your workflow.
Communication
Clearview provides status updates at each prosecution milestone and typically responds to inquiries within one business day. Reporting follows your preferred format.
Turnaround
Standard filings are usually completed within 3 to 5 business days of receiving complete instructions. Rush filings can be accommodated where available.
Billing
Flat-fee pricing for routine filings and prosecution steps. Estimates are provided before work begins, and invoicing can be suited to meet your needs.
File Management
Clearview maintains organized digital files accessible for review. Renewal dates and deadlines are tracked proactively.
About Clearview Counsel.
Clearview Counsel is a Canadian law firm focused on intellectual property, corporate, and commercial law. The firm is run by Connor, a licensed Canadian trademark agent and member of the Intellectual Property Institute of Canada (IPIC), with experience developed at a leading national IP practice.
The firm is licensed to practice law in Ontario, Canada, and serves international clients across North America, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Australia, and South Korea.
Keep Exploring
Where to go next.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions.
What is the typical turnaround for a new Canadian trademark filing?
Standard filings are usually completed within 3 to 5 business days from receipt of complete instructions and filing details. Rush filings can be accommodated where available.
How long does trademark registration take in Canada?
At CIPO's current pace, registrations typically take approximately 12 months from filing where the application is straightforward and no examiner objections or oppositions are raised. If issues arise, however, timing can vary significantly.
Do I really need to register my trademark in Canada?
While you may have some common law rights just by using your mark in Canada, a registration provides significant advantages including nationwide protection and the legal presumption of ownership. It also makes enforcing your rights much easier.
How does Clearview handle Madrid Protocol designations?
Clearview can act as the Canadian agent for international registrations designating Canada. This includes advising on and responding to provisional refusals, as well as managing the Canadian portion of global portfolios.
What billing arrangements are available?
Clearview offers flat-fee pricing for routine prosecution steps (e.g. new filings, office action responses, renewals). For enforcement matters or complex oppositions, estimates are provided before work begins.
Can Clearview coordinate with in-house IP teams directly?
Yes. Clearview regularly works with both referring law firms and in-house teams. Communication channels and reporting formats are adapted to suit each arrangement.
What information is needed to file a new application?
At minimum: the mark, the applicant's name and address, and direction about the relevant goods and services. If claiming convention priority, the home-country application number and filing date are also required.
What if my trademark application is refused?
Office actions are common and often resolvable. Clearview can prepare strategic responses to examiner objections to keep the application on track. If more complex issues arise, Clearview will discuss options and any additional costs before proceeding.
Does Clearview handle trademark matters beyond prosecution?
Yes. Clearview provides enforcement support, delivering assistance with opposition and cancellation proceedings, portfolio audits, and strategic advice on Canadian trademark law.
Official sources: CPATAΒ·CIPO β Trademarks
Protect your brand in Canada.
Whether you are an international lawyer seeking a reliable Canadian agent or a business expanding into the Canadian market, Clearview Counsel is ready to help.