A Canadian trademark registration is a valuable business asset, but it requires active maintenance. Under the Trademarks Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. T-13), trademark registrations must be renewed periodically to remain in force. Renewing on time keeps the nationwide protection the registration gives you.
This guide covers renewing your Canadian trademark with CIPO: deadlines, costs, grace periods, and strategies to keep your registration active.
Pro tip: Our Canada renewals service handles the deadline, the CIPO filing, and confirmation of the new expiry date.
Trademark Validity Periods in Canada
The validity period for Canadian trademark registrations depends on when the trademark was registered:
Post-June 17, 2019 Registrations
- 10-year validity from the date of registration
- Renewable for successive 10-year periods
- This applies to all registrations issued after Canada's trademark modernization
Pre-June 17, 2019 Registrations
- Originally registered with 15-year validity
- Transitional provisions: when these registrations come up for renewal, they renew for 10-year periods under the new rules
- The first renewal after June 2019 follows the new fee structure
Renewal Timeline and Deadlines
When to Renew
- Earliest renewal: You can file for renewal up to 6 months before the expiry date
- Expiry date: The registration expires on the 10th anniversary (or 15th for pre-2019 registrations)
- Grace period: If you miss the expiry date, you have a 6-month grace period to renew at the same renewal fee
Critical Dates
| Timeline | Action |
|---|---|
| 12 months before expiry | Begin planning your renewal strategy |
| 6 months before expiry | Earliest you can file for renewal |
| Expiry date | Standard renewal deadline |
| 6 months after expiry | Grace period ends; registration expires permanently |
Important: CIPO sends renewal reminder notices, but failure to receive a notice does not extend your deadline. You are responsible for tracking your renewal dates.
Renewal Costs
Government Fees
CIPO charges its renewal fee per class: a higher amount for the first class and a lower amount for each additional class. The fees are indexed to inflation each January, so the exact figure depends on the year you renew. CIPO charges the same renewal fee if you file in the grace period.
For a trademark registered in multiple Nice classes, the renewal fee applies per class. A trademark registered in 3 classes pays the first-class fee once and the additional-class fee twice.
The current CIPO amounts, and the Total for a GTC renewal, are on our Canada renewals page.
Professional Fees
In addition to government fees, our professional fee covers:
- Renewal filing and processing
- Verification of registration details
- Monitoring confirmation of renewal
GTC advantage: Our Canada renewals service handles the entire renewal process, including deadline monitoring, filing, and confirmation.
How to Renew Your Canadian Trademark
Step 1: Verify Your Registration Details
Before filing renewal, confirm:
- Registration number and current owner information
- Nice classes covered by the registration
- Any recorded changes (assignments, amendments) are up to date
- The trademark is still in use for the registered goods/services
Step 2: Assess Your Renewal Strategy
Consider whether you need to:
- Renew all classes: if you're using the trademark across all registered goods/services
- Let some classes lapse: if you've stopped using the trademark for certain goods/services
- File new applications: if your business has expanded into new areas not covered by the existing registration (our Canadian trademark service covers new filings)
Step 3: File the Renewal
Renewals can be filed:
- Online through the CIPO renewal portal
- Through our team: we file the renewal with CIPO directly, which we recommend for owners based outside Canada
Step 4: Confirm Renewal
After processing, CIPO updates the register to reflect the new expiry date. Verify that the renewal has been recorded correctly.
The Grace Period: Use It as a Backstop, Not a Plan
The 6-month grace period is a useful safety net, but filing inside the standard window is the better habit:
- Fee year: CIPO applies the fee in force on the day it receives your payment, so a renewal that slips past 1 January pays the adjusted fee
- Status: during the grace period, your registration shows as expired on the register
- Third-party filings: competitors could file applications for similar trademarks
- Finality: once the grace period passes, the registration is gone and only a new application can replace it
Non-Use Cancellation: The Other Maintenance Issue
Even if your registration is current, it can be challenged through Section 45 proceedings if you haven't used the trademark in Canada for a continuous period of 3 years.
To protect against non-use cancellation:
- Maintain evidence of use: keep records of sales, advertising, and promotional materials
- Use the trademark as registered: significant alterations may not qualify as "use"
- Use in Canada specifically: use in other countries doesn't satisfy Canadian use requirements
- License properly: if third parties use your trademark, ensure proper licensing arrangements
Voluntary Cancellation (Surrender)
If you no longer need your Canadian trademark registration, you can voluntarily cancel it by requesting surrender with CIPO. This may be appropriate when:
- Your business has changed direction and the trademark is no longer relevant
- You're consolidating your trademark portfolio
- The trademark is causing conflicts with other parties
Renewing a WIPO International Registration That Covers Canada
If your Canadian trademark protection comes through an international registration under WIPO's Madrid System (the Madrid Protocol), renewal is handled differently:
- Renewal is filed through WIPO, not directly with CIPO
- The renewal period for international registrations is 10 years
- WIPO sends renewal reminders to the owner
- Renewal fees are paid to WIPO in Swiss francs
Keep Your Canadian Trademark in Force
Timely renewal keeps your trademark rights continuous. Explore our Canada renewals service for deadline management and filing, or read the Canada country guide if you are planning new Canadian filings alongside the renewal.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a Canadian trademark registration last?
Registrations issued after June 17, 2019 last for 10 years. Pre-2019 registrations had 15-year terms but renew for 10-year periods under current rules.
How much does it cost to renew a Canadian trademark?
CIPO charges a per-class government fee (one amount for the first class, a lower amount for each additional class), indexed each January. Our professional fee is additional. Current figures are on our Canada renewals page.
What happens if I miss the renewal deadline?
You have a 6-month grace period to renew at the same renewal fee. If you miss the grace period, your registration expires permanently.
Does CIPO send renewal reminders?
Yes, CIPO sends courtesy reminder notices, but you are legally responsible for tracking your renewal deadlines regardless of whether you receive a notice.
Can I renew my trademark early?
Yes. You can file for renewal up to 6 months before the expiry date.
Do I need to prove use to renew my Canadian trademark?
No. There is no use requirement for renewal. However, your registration remains vulnerable to Section 45 non-use cancellation if the trademark hasn't been used for 3+ continuous years.
What if my business details have changed since registration?
Update your registration records with CIPO before or during renewal. Changes in owner name, address, or trademark assignment should be recorded. More general questions are answered in our FAQ.
