The Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) has recently announced that effective January 1, 2024, most trademark fees will increase by approximately 25 per cent. CIPO has stated that the fee increases are required due to several operational and financial factors including an almost 30% inflation rate since 2004 in labour costs and to fulfill treaty obligations and technological investments undertaken to improve services.

If payment is received before January 1, 2024, applicants will benefit from the lower fees.

These include:
1. Trademark applications filed in 2023 filing fee of $347 for the first class of goods and services and $105 per additional classes. The fees in 2024 will be $458 for the first class and $139 per additional class.
2. Extensions of Time: 2023 – $125.00 – Extension of Time: 2024 – $150.00.

In some case there will be a significant increase in the government fees. For instance, to file:

3. A Statement of Opposition will rise from $789.43 to $1,040.00.
4. A Section 45 summary cancellation notice requiring evidence will rise from $421.00 to
$555.00.
5. Renewal fees for a registration filed online will also rise from $421.02 to $555.00.

A list of all government trademark fee increases is set out in the link below:

Fees for trademarks (canada.ca)

In view of these projected fee increases, Andrews Robichaud recommends that clients review plans for new product launches expected in Canada in 2024. As these plans may require time to conduct relevant searches and file new trademark applications or update trademark portfolios, please contact us to discuss appropriate action well before January 1, 2024.