Received a Trademark Dispute Email?
Received a Trademark Dispute Email?
Received a Trademark Dispute Email?
Here’s What to Know (And What to Do)
If you’ve received an unexpected email warning you about a trademark conflict—or urging you to “act within 72 hours” to protect your business name—you’re not alone. These kinds of messages are becoming more common for Canadian businesses, and while they often look official, most are not legitimate legal threats.
At Webacom, we and our clients have received many of these over the years. So here’s a breakdown of what you need to know if one lands in your inbox.
What These Emails Typically Say
Most messages claim
- Someone is trying to trademark your business name (or something similar)
- You must respond quickly or risk losing legal rights
- Your business name isn’t registered with the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO)
- You may face legal or commercial restrictions if you don’t act
They often cite sections of the Trademarks Act and make it sound like urgent legal action is required. In many cases, they’re not wrong about how Canadian trademark law works—but they’re also not official notices from the government or a court.
Are These Legitimate?
In most cases, no. These emails are typically:
- Solicitations from companies or individuals selling trademark registration or legal services
- Not associated with CIPO or any government agency
- Using fear tactics to pressure businesses into action (or payment)
They’re similar to domain renewal scams or directory listings that charge for unnecessary listings or protections.
Do You Need to Take Action?
That depends on your situation.
- If your business name is core to your brand and you want the strongest protection, a registered trademark is the safest path.
- If you’ve been using your name in Canada for years, you likely have common law rights, but these can be harder to enforce if challenged.
- If the email came from an unknown firm, includes threats, or asks for immediate payment, you can likely ignore it—but keep a copy for your records.
What to Do Next
- Don’t panic or respond immediately.
- Check the source. If it’s not from CIPO or your lawyer, it’s likely a mass solicitation.
- Want protection? You can register your business name with CIPO directly or speak with a trademark lawyer.
You can apply through the official government site here:
https://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/cipointernet-internetopic.nsf/eng/h_wr00002.html
If you’d like help getting started or need a referral to a Canadian IP lawyer, we’re happy to point you in the right direction.
Final Note
We’re not lawyers and this blog is not legal advice—it’s based on our experience working with Canadian businesses for over 20 years. When in doubt, it’s always best to speak to a qualified legal professional.
Have questions? Reach out to us anytime.
