Legal protection of the official symbols of the Government of Canada
The use of the Government of Canada’s official symbols is restricted to the communications, operations and activities of the Government of Canada. The official symbols, shown below, including all of their design and colour variations, are protected against unauthorized use in Canada and abroad under:
- Trademarks Act, Section 9(1) - prohibited marks
- Copyright Act
- Article 6ter of the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property
The official symbols are also used to identify the Government of Canada’s participation in a federal partnering or sponsorship arrangement, a grant or contribution, or the government’s role in a jointly managed initiative.
Designs, logos or marks that are similar to, or that could be easily mistaken for, the official symbols are pursued by the Government of Canada as unauthorized use.
| Symbol | Description | Canadian trademark number | WIPO registration number |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
The Government of Canada signature combines the flag symbol and title “Government of Canada” in both official languages. Flag signatures combine the flag symbol and the title of federal institutions or programs in both official languages. |
0972261, 0972262 |
CA14, CA15 |
 |
The Canada Wordmark is composed of the word “Canada” with the flag symbol above the last “a.” |
0972263, 0902330 |
CA16 |
 |
The arms of Canada is used to identify departments whose heads report directly to Parliament, institutions that have a quasi-judicial function, ambassadors, heads of consulates or missions, and the Clerk of the Privy Council. It is also referred to as the Canadian coat of arms and the royal arms of Canada. |
0972257, 0972258, 0907729 |
CA10, CA11 |
Discontinued marks and variations
The arms of Canada and Government of Canada signature have changed over the years. However, all versions are still protected under the Trademarks Act.
| Symbol | Description | Canadian trademark number |
|---|---|---|
 |
Arms of Canada |
902323 |
 |
Arms of Canada |
0970442 |
 |
Government of Canada signature |
0902329 |
Requests and complaints
- In Canada, contact TBS Public Enquiries for requests and complaints related to the Government of Canada’s official symbols.
- International requests and complaints about the Government of Canada’s official symbols, National Flag of Canada or 11-point maple leaf should be directed to tmi@international.gc.ca.
- Questions related to the National Flag of Canada or the 11-point maple leaf depicted in the flag should be directed to the State Ceremonial and Canadian Symbols section of Canadian Heritage.
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