Help for businesses, workers and travellers affected by Canada-United States (U.S.) relations
Find federal support for businesses and workers. Includes information about importing and exporting, travelling between Canada and the U.S., buying Canadian products, and key contacts.
Contact information
Frequently asked questions
How do I file a trademark?
You can register your trademark with the Canadian Intellectual Property Office:
The IP roadmap for trademarks provides an overview of the trademark registration process:
How can I get grants or financing for my business?
Get a tailored list of government programs that offer financing, grants, tax credits, government-backed loans, wage subsidies and expert advice:
How do I reset my password for My ISED Account?
For accounts that use a GCKey username and password, you can use the 'Forgot your Password?' option on the Welcome to GCKey Sign In page.
For accounts that use a Sign-In Partner username and password, contact your Sign-In Partner for assistance.
How do I get a radio licence?
To get a radio licence, contact your regional Spectrum Management office:
How do I file a patent?
You can patent your invention if it meets three basic criteria:
- It is novel – the first of its kind in the world.
- It is useful – it works and is functional and operational.
- It shows inventive ingenuity – it is a new improvement to an existing invention that wouldn't be obvious to someone skilled in that field.
A patent can only be granted for the physical embodiment of an idea (for example, the description of a plausible door lock) or for a process that produces something tangible. You cannot patent a scientific principle, an abstract theory or a mathematical formula.
For more information:
How do I register a copyright?
In Canada, copyright exists automatically when an original work or other subject matter is created, provided the conditions set out in the Copyright Act have been met.
Registration is not required for protection, but a certificate of registration is evidence that it exists and that the person registered is the owner. The request can be sent online, by mail or by fax. To register your copyright online:
How do I get information on labelling and packaging?
Businesses that want to ensure their product labels comply with all the requirements should refer to the Competition Bureau:
For more information:
The province of Quebec has additional requirements concerning the use of the French language on all products marketed within its jurisdiction. Get information on these requirements at:
Office québécois de la langue française (in French only)
125 Sherbrooke Street West
Montréal, Quebec H2X 1X4
Telephone: toll free at 1-800-873-6202 or 514-873-6565
How do I incorporate my business at the federal level?
In order to incorporate at the federal level, you will have to file articles of incorporation.
Articles of incorporation can be filed at:
How can I file a complaint against a company?
For information on the complaint processes for different consumer issues, go to: