Paris Convention
Canada is a signator to the Paris Convention. This ensures national treatment and priority rights to applicants from other member states. Thus, any person who has filed a trademark application in a Convention country has the right to do so in Canada. Also, if the application is filed in Canada within six months of the original application date the applicant may, by relying on the original application, obtain the filing date of the original application.
World Trade Organization (WTO) and TRIPS
Canada is a member of the WTO and hence of the Agreement on Trade-related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS). For example, geographical indications for wine can be protected in Canada.
Madrid Protocol
Canada is not at present a member of the Madrid Protocol. Therefore a trademark application must be made directly to the Canadian Trademarks Office (CIPO). Although Canada has begun to take steps to prepare itself to apply for Madrid, there is no definitive timetable in place nor any assurance that it will ultimately become a signator.
The Vienna Classification System
Trademarks consisting of a special form or pictorial representation are classified according to this system.
Nice Classification
Canada does not subscribe to the Nice Classification System, although it is beginning to use it. Applicants are asked classify their ware and services into Nice Classes but if they do not, the Trademarks Office will do the classification.