Trademarking Your Group

Why file with U of T Trademark Licensing?

In addition to standard protected trademarks, the University of Toronto registers what are called “prohibited marks” under the Canadian Trademarks Act because universities have a special status in Canadian trademark law. Parliament recognizes U of T as an institution serving a public benefit, so it is afforded this protection. Unlike regular trademarks, prohibited marks:

• Do not need to specify goods/services (protection is broad)
• Are easier to enforce (others cannot register a similar mark, regardless of confusion tests)
• Do not need to be renewed
• Do not require distinctiveness (they can include descriptive names or geographic locations)

Depending on the intended use of your mark (e.g. third-party licensing, international protection), standard trademark registration will be a viable option.

Trademark Registration

Emerging divisions, programs or research initiatives at the University of Toronto should consider filing name or logo trademarks to protect their identity and reputation.

Trademark registration grants exclusive rights, preventing others from using similar names or logos that could cause confusion or harm credibility. It also safeguards against unauthorized commercial use, such as on merchandise or websites, which could mislead the public.

Intellectual Property

Trademarks provide legal tools to enforce rights and maintain brand integrity. Additionally, they support long-term branding, helping the division stand out in academic, sector and research communities. Overall, trademarking ensures consistent representation and protects the division’s intellectual property.