Is it possible to use the maple leaf or the Canadian flag?

The national flag of Canada is a prohibited mark; any application for a trade-mark consisting of or containing the Canadian flag will not be registrable unless the applicant has received consent from the Canadian Government.

Such flag consists of an 11-point maple leaf in a white square with red bars on either side, of the proportion two by length and one by width.

Consent may be granted on the condition that:

1. the use of the design or trade-mark conforms to good taste;
2. an applicant for the registration of such design or trade-mark disclaims, in the application, the right to the exclusive use of the maple leaf; and
3. the owner of such design or trade-mark will not attempt to prevent anyone else from using the maple leaf.

In cases where a trade-mark includes a representation of the Canadian flag or maple leaf, both consent and a disclaimer are required. Consent may be requested to the Department of Canadian Heritage.

Requests to use the flag should be addressed to:
State Ceremonial and Canadian Symbols
State Ceremonial and Corporate Events Directorate
Department of Canadian Heritage
Gatineau, Quebec
K1A 0M5
Email: CeremonialetSymboles_CeremonialandSymbols@pch.gc.ca

Tel:

(819) 997-0055

Toll free:

1-866-811-0055

TTY (Toll-Free):

1-888-997-3123

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