trademark costs

[wheel]

What's it cost and what's the timeframe to get a registered trademark? Assuming I've got a unique combination of letters, and not a real word that I want to trademark. Also assuming I guess I'd go through a lawyer to do this as I don't think this is likely a DIY process.

[Ryan]

You'll need to get a lawyer to do the trademark search and it'll cost a few thousand dollars and take a few months likely. It's not a quick or cheap process unfortunately.

[wheel]

Thanks Ryan. I knew it took a while, the thousands of bucks is a bit unfortunate, but I guess I'll have to bite the bullet.

[Rehan]

It can be done without a lawyer, too, for as little as $300 or so. There's more info at https://strategis.ic.gc.ca/sc_mrksv/cipo/trademark-filing/application/engdoc/index_owner_e.html and http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/sc_mrksv/cipo/tm/faq_tm-e.html

[Canucklehead]

You can get started on your own but best to get a qualified trademark lawyer to do the searches etc. The process can take up to two years as they have to publish your proposed mark to the community and there is a "waiting period" for any objections. During that time however, you should be consistently and actively using your name/logo so that you establish a history.

I've been through a couple of them myself. Last one was a trademark that Disney owned in the US but we snagged it for Canada for use under different "wares".