--- title: "Canadian Trademark Opposition Proceedings | GTC" description: "Complete guide to Canadian trademark opposition proceedings before the TMOB. Covers the 2-month opposition period, Statement of Opposition, evidence rounds..." lang: en json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Organization", "name": "Global Trademark Company LLC", "url": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com", "logo": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com/gtc-logo.svg", "description": "Multi-practice IP and business legal firm. Trademarks in 100+ jurisdictions, patents in 10 + PCT, copyrights under Berne. Operating since 2016.", "foundingDate": "2016", "sameAs": [ "https://www.linkedin.com/company/globaltrademarkcompany/", "https://www.trustpilot.com/review/globaltrademark.co" ], "contactPoint": [ { "@type": "ContactPoint", "telephone": "+1-510-973-4964", "contactType": "customer service", "areaServed": "US", "availableLanguage": [ "English" ] }, { "@type": "ContactPoint", "telephone": "+44-7453-347853", "contactType": "customer service", "areaServed": "GB", "availableLanguage": [ "English" ] }, { "@type": "ContactPoint", "telephone": "+91-6397-329955", "contactType": "customer service", "areaServed": "IN", "availableLanguage": [ "English", "Hindi" ] } ], "address": [ { "@type": "PostalAddress", "streetAddress": "712 H Street NE, Suite 2094", "addressLocality": "Washington", "addressRegion": "DC", "postalCode": "20002", "addressCountry": "US" }, { "@type": "PostalAddress", "streetAddress": "YSC Complex, 4th floor, A-400, 12 Ajit Singh House, Sri Aurobindo Marg", "addressLocality": "New Delhi", "addressRegion": "Delhi", "postalCode": "110016", "addressCountry": "IN" } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BlogPosting", "headline": "Canadian Trademark Opposition: Proceedings Before the Trademarks Opposition Board", "description": "Complete guide to Canadian trademark opposition proceedings before the TMOB. Covers the 2-month opposition period, Statement of Opposition, evidence rounds...", "image": "https://zbdppqwokjgncujmplfm.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/application-files/blog/canadian-trademark-opposition-proceedings.jpg?t=1780411458260", "datePublished": "2026-01-10T10:00:00+00:00", "dateModified": "2026-06-22T10:39:05.104555+00:00", "inLanguage": "en-US", "isAccessibleForFree": true, "articleSection": "legal", "keywords": "Canadian trademark opposition, TMOB proceedings, trademark opposition board Canada, oppose trademark Canada, Statement of Opposition CIPO", "wordCount": 1321, "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Maryam Noor", "jobTitle": "Senior Associate & Attorney", "image": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com/team/maryam.jpg", "url": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com/team/maryam-noor" }, "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Global Trademark Company LLC", "url": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com/gtc-logo.svg" } }, "mainEntityOfPage": { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com/blog/canadian-trademark-opposition-proceedings" } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Blog", "item": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com/blog" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Canadian Trademark Opposition: Proceedings Before the Trademarks Opposition Board", "item": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com/blog/canadian-trademark-opposition-proceedings" } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "How long is the opposition period for Canadian trademarks?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The standard opposition period is 2 months from publication in the Trademarks Journal. A single extension (typically 2 months) can be requested." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How much does it cost to oppose a Canadian trademark?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The CIPO filing fee for a Statement of Opposition is CAD $1,115.08 per application. Legal and professional costs are additional." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How long do Canadian trademark opposition proceedings take?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Proceedings typically take 2-3 years from filing the Statement of Opposition to the TMOB decision, though timelines vary." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can opposition proceedings be settled?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes. Many oppositions are resolved through negotiation during the cooling-off period, resulting in coexistence agreements, consents, or application amendments." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What happens if I don't file a Counter-Statement?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "If the applicant fails to file a Counter-Statement within 2 months, the application is deemed abandoned." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can I appeal a TMOB decision?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes. Either party can appeal to the Federal Court of Canada within 2 months of the TMOB decision. ---" } } ] } ] --- [](/) - Trademarks - Patents - Copyrights - Data Privacy - Business Legal - [Pricing](/pricing) - Resources Sign inEN · USD Sign in 1. [Home](/) 2. / 3. [Blog](/blog) 4. / 5. Canadian Trademark Opposition: Proceedings Before the Trademarks Opposition Board [Back to Blog](/blog) legal # Canadian Trademark Opposition: Proceedings Before the Trademarks Opposition Board ![Maryam Noor](/team/maryam.jpg)Maryam Noor · Senior Associate & IP Specialist January 10, 2026 13 min read Share Last updated: June 22, 2026 ![Canadian Trademark Opposition: Proceedings Before the Trademarks Opposition Board](https://zbdppqwokjgncujmplfm.supabase.co/storage/v1/render/image/public/application-files/blog/canadian-trademark-opposition-proceedings.jpg?width=1200&quality=80&resize=contain&t=1780411458260) In this article [What Is the Trademarks Opposition Board?](#what-is-the-trademarks-opposition-board)[The Opposition Timeline](#the-opposition-timeline)[Grounds for Opposition: Detailed Analysis](#grounds-for-opposition-detailed-analysis)[Costs in Opposition Proceedings](#costs-in-opposition-proceedings)[Strategic Considerations](#strategic-considerations)[Cooling-Off Period](#cooling-off-period)[Appeals to the Federal Court](#appeals-to-the-federal-court)[Frequently Asked Questions](#frequently-asked-questions)[Protect Your Canadian Trademark Rights](#protect-your-canadian-trademark-rights) ## Canadian Trademark Opposition: Proceedings Before the Trademarks Opposition Board After a trademark application is approved by the CIPO examiner, it is published in the **Trademarks Journal** for a **2-month opposition period**. During this window, any person can challenge the application by filing a **Statement of Opposition** with the **Trademarks Opposition Board (TMOB)**. Whether you're considering opposing a conflicting application or defending your own mark against an opposition, understanding the TMOB process is essential. This guide covers every stage of Canadian trademark opposition proceedings. > **Pro tip:** Start with a [free trademark check](/free-trademark-check) to identify potential conflicts before they reach the opposition stage. ## What Is the Trademarks Opposition Board? The **Trademarks Opposition Board (TMOB)** is an administrative tribunal within CIPO that adjudicates trademark opposition proceedings. The TMOB handles: - **Opposition proceedings** — challenges to pending trademark applications - **Section 45 proceedings** — cancellation actions for non-use of registered marks TMOB decisions are binding but can be appealed to the **Federal Court of Canada**. ## The Opposition Timeline ### Phase 1: Publication and Opposition Period After examination approval, the mark is published in the Trademarks Journal: - **2-month opposition period** from the date of publication - **Extension available** — a potential opponent can request a single extension of time (typically 2 months) by filing a request before the deadline - If no opposition is filed, the mark proceeds to registration ### Phase 2: Filing the Statement of Opposition To commence opposition, the opponent must file a **Statement of Opposition** (Form TM7) that sets out the grounds of opposition. Common grounds include: - **Non-registrability** (Section 38(2)(b)) — the mark is not registrable under Section 12 - **Non-entitlement** (Section 38(2)(c)) — the applicant is not the person entitled to registration - **Non-distinctiveness** (Section 38(2)(d)) — the mark is not distinctive at the relevant date - **Bad faith** (Section 38(2)(a.1)) — the application was filed in bad faith (added in 2019 amendments) The **filing fee** for a Statement of Opposition is **CAD $1,115.08** per application opposed. ### Phase 3: Counter-Statement The applicant has **2 months** to file a **Counter-Statement** responding to the opposition. If no Counter-Statement is filed, the application is deemed abandoned. The Counter-Statement should deny the allegations in the Statement of Opposition and set out the applicant's position. ### Phase 4: Evidence Rounds TMOB proceedings follow a structured evidence exchange: 1. **Opponent's evidence** — the opponent files evidence supporting their grounds of opposition (affidavits, declarations) 2. **Applicant's evidence** — the applicant files responding evidence 3. **Opponent's reply evidence** — the opponent may file reply evidence (limited in scope) Each evidence stage has prescribed time limits, and extensions are available through TMOB. ### Phase 5: Written Arguments and Hearing After evidence is complete: - Both parties may file **written arguments** summarizing their positions - Either party may request an **oral hearing** before the TMOB - The TMOB issues a **written decision** ## Grounds for Opposition: Detailed Analysis ### Confusion with an Existing Mark (Most Common) The most frequently raised ground is that the applied-for mark is **confusingly similar** to the opponent's existing mark. TMOB considers the factors set out in **Section 6(5)** of the Trademarks Act: - The inherent distinctiveness of the marks and the extent to which they have become known - The length of time each mark has been in use - The nature of the goods, services, or business - The nature of the trade - The degree of resemblance between the marks (appearance, sound, ideas suggested) ### Descriptiveness An opponent can argue the mark is clearly descriptive or deceptively misdescriptive, and therefore not registrable under Section 12(1)(b). ### Non-Distinctiveness The opponent can argue the mark does not actually distinguish the applicant's goods/services from those of others in Canada. ### Bad Faith Since the 2019 amendments, bad faith filing is an explicit ground for opposition. This covers situations where the applicant filed with no genuine intention to use the mark. ## Costs in Opposition Proceedings TMOB can award costs to the successful party, but awards are typically **modest** and follow the TMOB's standard scale: - Costs are awarded only in exceptional cases, and the award is calculated as a multiple of the prescribed opposition filing fee (now CAD $1,115.08) rather than as a fixed dollar range - Each party generally bears their own legal costs regardless of the outcome - A higher multiple of the filing fee may be ordered where a party has engaged in unreasonable conduct ## Strategic Considerations ### For Opponents (Challenging an Application) 1. **Act within the 2-month window** — or request an extension promptly 2. **Assess the strength of your grounds** — weak oppositions waste resources and may result in cost awards 3. **Gather evidence early** — documentary evidence of your mark's use and reputation 4. **Consider negotiation** — many oppositions settle through coexistence agreements or amendments 5. **Budget realistically** — TMOB proceedings can take 2-3 years and involve significant legal costs ### For Applicants (Defending Against Opposition) 1. **File your Counter-Statement on time** — missing the 2-month deadline means abandonment 2. **Evaluate settlement** — consider whether coexistence or amendment is a viable resolution 3. **Prepare strong evidence** — evidence of your mark's use, distinctiveness, and market presence 4. **Challenge the opponent's evidence** — identify weaknesses in the opposition case 5. **Consider your timeline** — opposition can add 2-3 years to the registration process > **GTC advantage:** Our [trademark opposition service](/services/trademark-opposition) provides comprehensive support for both filing and defending opposition proceedings before the TMOB. ## Cooling-Off Period The TMOB allows parties to request a **cooling-off period** to negotiate settlement. During this period: - Proceeding timelines are suspended - Parties can negotiate coexistence agreements, consents, or amendments - Either party can request the cooling-off period to end and resume the proceeding Cooling-off periods can last several months and often lead to successful resolution without a full hearing. ## Appeals to the Federal Court Either party can appeal a TMOB decision to the **Federal Court of Canada** under Section 56 of the Trademarks Act. Following the amendments in force on **1 April 2025**, the appeal is no longer a full de novo rehearing: - New evidence may now be filed only with **leave of the Federal Court** under Section 56(5); without leave, the Court reviews the record that was before the Registrar - Where no new evidence is admitted, the Court generally reviews the TMOB's decision on a deferential standard - The Court can affirm, reverse, or vary the TMOB's decision Federal Court appeals are typically filed within **2 months** of the TMOB decision. ## Protect Your Canadian Trademark Rights Whether you're filing a new application or need to defend against an opposition, proactive strategy is key. Start with a [free trademark check](/free-trademark-check) to assess your position, or learn more about our [trademark opposition services](/services/trademark-opposition). \*This guide reflects current TMOB procedures and the Trademarks Act as of January 2026.\* ### Need help with your trademark? Get a free trademark check from our specialists, no obligation. Defend Your Canadian Trademark Or [learn more about this service →](/services/canada-trademark) ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How long is the opposition period for Canadian trademarks? ### How much does it cost to oppose a Canadian trademark? ### How long do Canadian trademark opposition proceedings take? ### Can opposition proceedings be settled? ### What happens if I don't file a Counter-Statement? ### Can I appeal a TMOB decision? ### Ready to get started? Our trademark specialists can help you with every step of the process. 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