Know The Law

Legal Library Category

Intellectual Property

Intellectual Property collects federal copyright, trade-mark and related statutes. Registration still happens on government systems such as CIPO.

Which statute to open first is in the IP learning pages.

33Legal references
33Official sources tracked
1Jurisdiction

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Recently added in this area

Patent RulesNovember 1, 2026 Patent ActOctober 31, 2026 Patent RulesOctober 28, 2026 Time Limits in Respect of Matters Before the Copyright Board RegulationsOctober 25, 2026 Trademarks ActSeptember 29, 2026 Use of Patented Products for International Humanitarian Purposes RegulationsSeptember 28, 2026 Trademarks RegulationsSeptember 27, 2026 Trade-marks RegulationsSeptember 27, 2026 Retransmission Royalties Criteria RegulationsSeptember 25, 2026 Regulations Prescribing Networks (Copyright Act)September 25, 2026 Regulations Establishing the Periods Within Which Eligible Authors, Eligible Performers and Eligible Makers not Represented by Collective Societies Can Claim Private Copying RemunerationSeptember 24, 2026 Regulations Establishing the Period Within Which Owners of Copyright not Represented by Collective Societies Can Claim Retransmission RoyaltiesSeptember 24, 2026

Primary law & references

Legislation, rules & legal resources

33 items

Acts and primary rules

ActOfficial source tracked

Copyright Act

CitationR.S.C., 1985, c. C-42 JurisdictionCanada Government text current to2026-10-19

Copyright Act R.S.C., 1985, c. C-42 An Act respecting copyright Short Title Marginal note:Short title 1 This Act may be cited as the Copyright Act . R.S., c. C-30, s. 1 Interpretation Margi…

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ActOfficial source tracked

Industrial Design Act

CitationR.S.C., 1985, c. I-9 JurisdictionCanada Government text current to2026-10-19

Current legal reference synchronized from Justice Laws — Federal Acts.

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ActOfficial source tracked

Patent Act

CitationR.S.C., 1985, c. P-4 JurisdictionCanada Government text current to2026-10-19

Current legal reference synchronized from Justice Laws — Federal Acts.

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ActOfficial source tracked

Trademarks Act

CitationR.S.C., 1985, c. T-13 JurisdictionCanada Government text current to2026-10-19

Current legal reference synchronized from Justice Laws — Federal Acts.

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Regulations and other instruments

RuleOfficial source tracked

Patent Rules

CitationSOR/2019-251 JurisdictionCanada Government text current to2026-10-19

Current legal reference synchronized from Justice Laws — Federal Regulations.

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RuleOfficial source tracked

Patent Rules

CitationSOR/96-423 JurisdictionCanada Government text current to2026-10-19

Current legal reference synchronized from Justice Laws — Federal Regulations.

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RegulationOfficial source tracked

Copyright Regulations

CitationSOR/97-457 JurisdictionCanada Government text current to2026-10-19

Current legal reference synchronized from Justice Laws — Federal Regulations.

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RegulationOfficial source tracked

Industrial Design Regulations

CitationSOR/99-460 JurisdictionCanada Government text current to2026-10-19

Current legal reference synchronized from Justice Laws — Federal Regulations.

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RegulationOfficial source tracked

Industrial Design Regulations

CitationSOR/2018-120 JurisdictionCanada Government text current to2026-10-19

Current legal reference synchronized from Justice Laws — Federal Regulations.

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RegulationOfficial source tracked

Patented Medicines Regulations

CitationSOR/94-688 JurisdictionCanada Government text current to2026-10-19

Current legal reference synchronized from Justice Laws — Federal Regulations.

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RegulationOfficial source tracked

Trade-marks Regulations

CitationSOR/96-195 JurisdictionCanada Government text current to2026-09-30

Current legal reference synchronized from Justice Laws — Federal Regulations.

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RegulationOfficial source tracked

Trademarks Regulations

CitationSOR/2018-227 JurisdictionCanada Government text current to2026-09-30

Current legal reference synchronized from Justice Laws — Federal Regulations.

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About this area

Understanding Intellectual Property

Trademark vs. Copyright: Protecting Your Creative & Business Assets

In Canada, Intellectual Property (IP) is governed by federal laws that help you control how your work is used and prevent others from profiting from your brand. While they often overlap, they protect very different things.

Quick Comparison: Which One Do You Need?

FeatureTrademark (™ or ®)Copyright (©)
What it ProtectsBrand Identity: Names, logos, slogans, sounds, or symbols that distinguish your business.Creative Expression: Original literary, artistic, musical, or dramatic works (books, code, scripts, art).
Primary GoalTo prevent consumer confusion in the marketplace.To prevent unauthorized copying or reproduction of original work.
Duration10 years (renewable indefinitely as long as it's in use).Generally, the life of the author + 70 years.
RegistrationNot mandatory (Common Law rights exist), but highly recommended for national protection.Automatic upon creation, but registration provides superior evidence for court.
ExampleThe name "KnowTheLaw.ca" or a unique transport company logo.The text of a 9-book series or the source code for a website.

Deep Dive: The 2026 Reality

Trademarks: The Cornerstone of Your Brand

A trademark is how your customers find you. In Ontario, you can establish "Common Law" rights just by using a name (using the ™ symbol), but a Registered Trademark (using the ® symbol) gives you the exclusive right to use that mark across all of Canada.

  • 2026 Update: The Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) has updated its fees. An online application for the first class of goods or services is now approximately $491.06.

Copyright: The Shield for Creators

As an author or artist, your work is protected the moment it is "fixed" in a medium (written down or saved to a drive). You don't have to register it to own it, but a Certificate of Registration is the "gold standard" of evidence if you ever need to sue for infringement.

  • Moral Rights: In Canada, copyright also includes "Moral Rights," which allow you to protect the integrity of your work and ensure you are always credited as the author.

Important Legal Disclaimer

KnowTheLaw.ca is a research and information repository only. This comparison and the associated content are for educational and research purposes and do not constitute legal advice. Intellectual Property law involves federal statutes (the Trademarks Act and the Copyright Act) and international treaties. We do not provide legal advice. If you are seeking to register a trademark or enforce a copyright claim, we strongly recommend consulting with a licensed lawyer or a registered Trademark/Patent Agent.