Combat counterfeit products: 3. Before you apply

Before you apply

Ensure that your trademark or geographical indication is registered with the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) and your information is up to date. CIPO registration of copyright is not mandatory, but is recommended.

Applying for assistance means you register for the Canada Border Services Agency's (CBSA’s) Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Program. By applying, you agree to:

• comply with Canadian laws and regulations
• make sure that all information you provide to the CBSA is accurate and reflects trademark, geographical indication or copyright information provided to CIPO
• become liable to the government for any costs related to storage, handling and destruction of detained goods beginning the day after a notice of detention is sent to you

As a registrant of the CBSA's IPR Program, we encourage you to respond promptly when the CBSA contacts you. Take appropriate steps to enforce your intellectual property rights or decline the opportunity to do so. If you do not respond in a timely manner, you may have to pay more for storage costs.

You can often minimize these costs by promptly letting the CBSA know if:

• the goods are not counterfeit or pirated

or

• you choose not to launch an action for this shipment

The CBSA may consider repeated delays when determining your eligibility for future applications, renewals, and security requirements.

You must comply with the CBSA's IPR Program conditions and guidelines. If you do not comply, the CBSA may not be able to administer your request for assistance.