What Protection
is Awarded by Registering a Trade-Mark?
Registration is
proof of ownership and therefore a key way of protecting a trademark from
misuse and imitation. Registration is not obligatory but is highly recommended
because it is a way of verifying the exclusive right that is established
through using the trademark in relation to specific wares or services. In a
dispute, a registered owner does not have to prove ownership; the onus is on
the challenger. The risk in using an unregistered trademark is the greater
likelihood of time-consuming and expensive legal proceedings in the case of a
dispute, as well as the lack of national, exclusive protection of your
trademark.
It is important
to realize that, while registration affords the greatest possible legal
protection against infringement or misuse of a trademark, it is, and can never
be, a failsafe guarantee against all problems relating to trademark usage. For
example, specific circumstances make it possible for a trademark to be expunged
(removed) from the register on the basis of prior use of a confusing mark by
another party.
Furthermore, registering a trademark with the Canadian Trademarks Office
protects rights in that trademark in Canada only. Where an entity is providing
wares or services in association with a given trademark in other countries,
registration in each of such other countries should be considered.