Trade-mark Assignment — Quebec (Trade-marks Act, RSC 1985)
Cession de marque de commerce — Trade-marks Act (RSC 1985, c T-13) s. 48 — Quebec
TRADE-MARK ASSIGNMENT
Cession de marque de commerce — Trade-marks Act (RSC 1985, c T-13), s. 48 — Quebec
THIS TRADE-MARK ASSIGNMENT is entered into as of [Assignment Date] between:
ASSIGNOR: [Assignor Name], [Assignor Address] ('Assignor')
ASSIGNEE: [Assignee Name], [Assignee Address] ('Assignee')
1. TRADE-MARK BEING ASSIGNED
Mark: [Mark Name] | Type: [Mark Type]
CIPO Registration No.: [Registration Number] | Application No.: [Application Number]
Goods and services: [Goods / Services]
2. ASSIGNMENT
For and in consideration of [Consideration], the Assignor hereby assigns, transfers, and conveys to the Assignee all right, title, and interest in the trade-mark described above, including: [Goodwill Transfer].
This assignment is made pursuant to the Trade-marks Act (RSC 1985, c T-13), s. 48(1). The assignment includes the right to sue for past, present, and future infringements of the mark.
Existing licences: [Existing Licences]. The Assignee must continue to exercise quality control over all licensees under Trade-marks Act s. 50 to maintain the mark's validity.
3. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
Assignor representations: [Assignor Representations]
The Assignor acknowledges that if the mark is expunged for non-use under Trade-marks Act s. 45, the assignment may be challenged. The Assignor confirms that the mark has been used in Canada in association with the specified goods and services within the 3 years preceding this assignment.
4. CIPO RECORDING AND TRANSITION
CIPO recordal responsibility: [CIPO Recordal]. Under Trade-marks Act s. 48(3), to be effective against third parties, this assignment must be recorded in the Canadian Trade-marks Register maintained by CIPO (current filing fee: $100 online). The Assignor agrees to sign any additional documents reasonably required to effect the recordal.
Transition: The Assignor will cooperate in the transition of the mark, including providing CIPO file records, specimens of use, and correspondence relating to the mark. The Assignee assumes all obligations and costs relating to renewal of the mark going forward.
5. GOVERNING LAW
This Assignment is governed by the federal Trade-marks Act (RSC 1985, c T-13) and, for contractual matters, the laws of the Province of Quebec, including the Civil Code of Québec. Disputes shall be resolved by the Federal Court of Canada (for trademark law matters) or the courts of Quebec (for contractual disputes).
Assignor (Current Trade-mark Owner)
________________
Signature
Assignee (New Trade-mark Owner)
________________
Signature
What Is a Trade-mark Assignment — Quebec (Trade-marks Act, RSC 1985)?
A Trade-mark Assignment (Trade-marks Act, RSC 1985) is a formal legal document used in Quebec for business operations, corporate governance, and commercial transactions. Create a Quebec Trade-mark Assignment (Cession de marque de commerce) under the Trade-marks Act (RSC 1985, c T-13) s. 48. Transfers registered or unregistered trade-marks with or without associated goodwill. Covers mark identification, CIPO recording, representations, warranties, and transition provisions. Download as PDF or Word. This document operates within Quebec's civil law (Civil Code of Quebec) framework and is designed to provide clear legal protection and certainty for all parties involved. These laws establish the legal requirements for valid agreements, the rights and obligations of the parties, and the remedies available in case of breach or dispute. Understanding the applicable legal framework is essential for drafting an effective Trade-mark Assignment (Trade-marks Act, RSC 1985) that will be enforceable under Quebec law. The importance of having a properly drafted Trade-mark Assignment (Trade-marks Act, RSC 1985) cannot be overstated. Without a clear, written agreement, parties risk misunderstandings, disputes, and potential legal liability. A well-drafted Trade-mark Assignment (Trade-marks Act, RSC 1985) sets out the terms and conditions that govern the relationship between the parties, including their respective rights, obligations, and the procedures for resolving any disagreements that may arise. It serves as the primary reference point should any questions or disputes occur during the course of the arrangement. In today's regulatory environment in Quebec, compliance with legal requirements is increasingly important. A Trade-mark Assignment (Trade-marks Act, RSC 1985) helps confirm that all parties are meeting their legal obligations and provides a clear record of the agreed terms for future reference. Using a standardized Trade-mark Assignment (Trade-marks Act, RSC 1985) template offers several practical advantages. It confirms that all essential clauses are included, reduces the time and cost of drafting from scratch, and provides a professional framework that can be customized to suit specific needs. Whether you are an individual, a small business owner, or a large corporation operating in Quebec, having access to a well-structured template confirms consistency and completeness in your legal documentation.
When Do You Need a Trade-mark Assignment — Quebec (Trade-marks Act, RSC 1985)?
A Trade-mark Assignment (Trade-marks Act, RSC 1985) is needed whenever parties in Quebec wish to formalize their arrangement regarding business operations, corporate governance, and commercial transactions. There are numerous situations in which this document becomes essential for protecting the interests of all involved parties. In a business context, you may need a Trade-mark Assignment (Trade-marks Act, RSC 1985) when entering into new commercial relationships, when formalizing existing arrangements that have previously been informal, when expanding your business operations, or when restructuring existing agreements. Companies registered with REQ should confirm proper documentation is maintained for all significant business transactions. You should also consider using a Trade-mark Assignment (Trade-marks Act, RSC 1985) when there has been a change in circumstances that affects an existing arrangement, when you need to comply with new regulatory requirements, when you wish to update outdated documentation, or when professional advisors recommend formalizing certain aspects of your affairs. In Quebec, maintaining current and accurate legal documentation is considered best practice and can help prevent costly disputes. It is generally advisable to prepare a Trade-mark Assignment (Trade-marks Act, RSC 1985) before any issues arise, rather than trying to document terms after a dispute has already begun. Proactive documentation provides clarity and reduces the potential for misunderstandings. If you are unsure whether you need this document for your specific situation in Quebec, consulting with a qualified legal professional can provide guidance tailored to your circumstances. The timing of executing a Trade-mark Assignment (Trade-marks Act, RSC 1985) is also important. In Quebec, certain documents must be executed before specific actions are taken or within prescribed time periods to be effective. Delaying the preparation of necessary legal documents can result in complications, lost rights, or additional costs. Therefore, it is recommended to prepare this document as early as possible once the need has been identified.
What to Include in Your Trade-mark Assignment — Quebec (Trade-marks Act, RSC 1985)
A well-drafted Trade-mark Assignment (Trade-marks Act, RSC 1985) for use in Quebec should contain several essential elements to confirm it is legally effective and provides adequate protection for all parties. Party Identification: The document should clearly identify all parties involved, including their full legal names, addresses, and relevant identification numbers. For individuals in Quebec, this may include identity card or passport numbers. For companies, registration numbers and registered addresses should be specified. Clear identification prevents disputes about who is bound by the agreement. Recitals and Background: The document should include background information explaining the context and purpose of the arrangement. This helps establish the parties' intentions and can be important in interpreting the terms of the document if any ambiguity arises later. The recitals section provides valuable context for the operative provisions that follow. Operative Terms: The core terms and conditions should be set out clearly and thoroughly. This includes the rights and obligations of each party, any conditions or prerequisites, the duration of the arrangement, and any limitations or restrictions. All key terms should be defined precisely to avoid ambiguity and potential disputes. Payment and Financial Terms: Where applicable, the document should specify any payments, fees, deposits, or other financial considerations. The amounts, currency (CAD), payment schedules, and methods of payment should be clearly stated. Any provisions for late payment, interest charges, or adjustments should also be included. Term and Termination: The document should specify its duration, including the start date, end date or conditions for expiry, and any provisions for renewal or extension. The circumstances under which either party may terminate the arrangement early should be clearly defined, along with any notice requirements and the consequences of termination. Dispute Resolution: The document should include provisions for resolving any disputes that may arise, such as negotiation, mediation, arbitration, or litigation. In Quebec, parties may choose to specify the jurisdiction of Quebec courts and the applicable law. Including a clear dispute resolution mechanism can save significant time and expense if disagreements occur. Governing Law and Jurisdiction: The document should specify that it is governed by the laws of Quebec and that disputes shall be subject to the jurisdiction of Quebec courts. This is particularly important in cross-border transactions or where parties are based in different jurisdictions. Signatures and Execution: The document must be properly signed by all parties or their authorised representatives. In Quebec, certain documents may need to be witnessed, notarised, or executed as deeds to be legally effective. The date of execution should be clearly recorded, and each party should retain an original signed copy for their records.
Sources & Citations
Statutory citations link to official government sources.
- RSC 1985, c T-13CA official
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Reference this free template in an article, syllabus, or research note:
Forms Legal. (2026). Trade-mark Assignment — Quebec (Trade-marks Act, RSC 1985) (Quebec) [Legal document template]. Forms Legal. https://forms-legal.com/quebec/business/intellectual-property/trademark-assignment-quebec
"Trade-mark Assignment — Quebec (Trade-marks Act, RSC 1985) (Quebec)." Forms Legal, 2026, https://forms-legal.com/quebec/business/intellectual-property/trademark-assignment-quebec.
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howpublished = {\url{https://forms-legal.com/quebec/business/intellectual-property/trademark-assignment-quebec}},
note = {Free legal document template. Based on Civil Code of Québec (CCQ), Book Five: Obligations}
}Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Under the Trade-marks Act s. 48(1), a trade-mark, whether registered or unregistered, is transferable with or without the goodwill of the business in connection with which it is used. This marks a significant change from pre-2019 Canadian trade-mark law, which required goodwill to accompany a trade-mark assignment to avoid the mark becoming invalid. The 2019 amendments aligning Canadian law with the Singapore Treaty permit bare assignments (without goodwill) for registered marks. However, for unregistered marks (common law marks), assigning without the associated goodwill is still risky — the mark derives its distinctiveness from its association with the business's reputation, and a bare assignment may cause the mark to lose distinctiveness and become unenforceable. Legal advice is recommended for complex trade-mark transactions.
Under the Trade-marks Act s. 48(3), an assignment of a registered trade-mark must be recorded in the Canadian Trade-marks Register maintained by CIPO to be effective against third parties. To record the assignment, the new owner (assignee) submits a Request to Record a Transfer to CIPO along with the prescribed fee ($100 for online filing as of 2025) and a copy of the assignment agreement. CIPO will update the trade-mark register to reflect the new owner's name and contact information. The recordal does not validate the assignment — its validity depends on the trade-marks legislation and the underlying contract — but failure to record creates risks if the previous owner purports to grant another assignment or licence to a third party who has no notice of the prior assignment.
A trade-mark assignor in Quebec should provide the following representations and warranties: (1) they are the registered owner (for registered marks) or common law user (for unregistered marks) of the mark; (2) the mark registration is in good standing and has not been abandoned, expunged, or allowed to lapse; (3) no third party has asserted or has a basis to assert prior rights in the mark; (4) the mark is not the subject of any pending opposition, expungement proceeding, or litigation; (5) the assignor has used the mark in association with the identified goods or services (to avoid invalidity for non-use under the Trade-marks Act s. 45); and (6) the assignor has full authority to assign the mark and the assignment does not violate any existing licence agreement or pledge. The assignee should conduct a CIPO register search before closing.
When a registered trade-mark is assigned, any existing licence agreements for that mark must be addressed in the assignment agreement. Under the Trade-marks Act s. 50, a trade-mark licence is valid only if the licensor (mark owner) exercises direct or indirect control over the character or quality of the goods or services sold under the mark (quality control requirement). When the mark is assigned, the new owner (assignee) steps into the licensor's shoes and must continue to exercise the required quality control over licensees. The assignment agreement should: (1) list all existing licences; (2) provide for the novation of those licences (substituting the assignee as the new licensor with licensee consent); and (3) include the assignee's commitment to maintain quality control obligations. Failure to maintain quality control may result in the mark losing distinctiveness and becoming invalid.
A Trade-mark Assignment — Quebec (Trade-marks Act, RSC 1985) does not legally require a lawyer in Quebec, and individuals and businesses may draft and execute the document independently. However, seeking independent legal advice from a qualified Quebec lawyer is recommended for transactions involving substantial financial value, complex regulatory requirements, or cross-border elements where multiple legal jurisdictions may apply. A lawyer can verify that the document complies with all applicable statutory requirements, identify potential risks specific to the transaction, and confirm that the terms adequately protect the interests of all parties involved. The Superior Court of Québec has jurisdiction over disputes arising from this type of document, and Registraire des entreprises du Québec may impose additional compliance obligations depending on the nature of the underlying transaction. Professional legal review is particularly advisable where the document will be submitted to government agencies or used as evidence in legal proceedings.
This template is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change over time. Consult a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation.Full disclaimer
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