Frequently Asked Questions
What is a design registration in Canada?
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A design registration (also known as an industrial design) protects the visual appearance of your product — including its shape, pattern, ornamentation, or configuration. It gives you the exclusive right to stop others from copying or imitating your product’s unique design.
We help clients prepare and file their designs to secure this protection in Canada.
What kind of designs can be registered?
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Designs can be registered for a wide range of products, including:
• Product packaging or containers
• Furniture, lighting, and home decor
• Clothing, shoes, and accessories
• Jewelry, electronics, and more
If your product has a unique look, we can help you determine whether it qualifies for registration.
Why should I register my design?
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Registering your design gives you the exclusive right to its appearance in Canada for up to 15 years. This helps you:
• Prevent unauthorized copying or imitation
• Strengthen your brand
• Increase commercial value and investor interest
• Take legal action against counterfeiters
We make the entire process easy for you, from start to finish.
How long does design protection last?
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Design protection in Canada can last up to 15 years, provided that you pay the government maintenance fee after the 5th year. Once registered, you have exclusive rights during that time period.
We handle all maintenance reminders and renewal formalities on your behalf.
How do I register my design in Canada?
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To register a design, you’ll need:
• Clear, high-quality drawings or photos of your product from multiple views
• A short description (optional but recommended)
• A properly completed application
We take care of the entire filing process — including preparing drawings, submitting your application, and tracking its progress.
Do I need a prototype or physical sample?
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No. You don’t need to submit a prototype. Your application is based entirely on your design drawings or images, which we help you create or refine as needed.
Can I file after publicly launching my product?
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Yes, but there's a 12-month deadline to file after your design has been made public (e.g., launched or advertised). If you miss this window, you may lose your right to register.
We recommend filing before public release to ensure full protection.
What if I want protection outside Canada?
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You can file internationally using systems like the Hague Agreement, which allows you to protect your design in multiple countries through a single application.
We assist with both Canadian and international design registrations.
How long does the registration process take?
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The average time to receive a design registration certificate in Canada is 12 to 18 months, depending on the complexity of your design and the current examination backlog.
We monitor your application throughout and provide updates at every step.
Who owns the design — the creator or the business?
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Ownership typically belongs to the creator or their employer, depending on how the design was developed. If your employee or contractor created it, we’ll help ensure proper ownership transfer is documented before filing.
Can I register multiple designs in one application?
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No, each application must be for one unique design. However, you can file multiple applications at the same time — and we can help streamline this process if you have several designs to protect.
What happens after registration?
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Once registered:
• Your design is publicly listed and enforceable
• You gain legal rights to stop unauthorized use
• You can take legal action if your design is copied
Our team is here to assist with any enforcement, licensing, or renewal services you may need after registration.
✅ Need Help Registering Your Design in Canada?
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We offer a complete design registration service, including:
• Professional design review
• High-quality drawing preparation
• Full application drafting & filing
• Monitoring, updates, and renewal management
👉 Contact us now to protect your product’s unique appearance with official design registration in Canada.
