Commercial Use of Canadian Symbols
Symbols with strong ties to our national heritage and systems have been formally adopted by the Government of Canada. These official symbols are protected against unauthorized use for commercial purposes.
On this page
- Protected Canadian symbols
- Commercial use requests
- Official symbols of the Government of Canada
- Royal emblems
- Additional resources
Protected Canadian symbols
The National Flag of Canada is protected by the Trademarks Act (Section 9) against unauthorized use for commercial purposes.
The stylized 11-point maple leaf is also protected by the Trademarks Act (Section 9) as well as Order in Council 1965-1623 against inappropriate use for commercial purposes.
You can download the ZIP file containing JPG, EPS and PNG versions of the National Flag of Canada and the stylized 11-point maple leaf below. JPG files are standard image files. EPS files are optimal for print products. PNG files are optimal for publication on the Web.
- Download the National Flag of Canada files (ZIP file, 2.71 Mb)
- Download the stylized 11-point maple leaf files (ZIP file, 506 Kb)
Commercial use requests
Commercial use requests apply to the use of protected Canadian symbols in connection with goods or services intended to generate revenue and/or support business interests. This process also applies to non-commercial, public-facing uses, including educational or recreational.
Requests to use the National Flag of Canada and/or the stylized 11-point maple leaf should be sent via email to uds-uos@pch.gc.ca. Each application must include:
- Full name of the requester.
- Name and business address of the organization affiliated with the request.
- A final version of the proposed visual use (static image or animation/video) in jpg, png, pdf, mp4, or similar formats – please note that scripts, storyboards, and written descriptions will not be sufficient.
- Context on the usage itself (purpose, duration, audience, etc.).
- Please note that requests will be addressed within approximately 10 business days.
Considerations:
- The National Flag of Canada must always respect its technical description (horizontally symmetric; 2:1 proportion; red flag with a single stylized 11-point maple leaf on a white square at its centre).
- Even in a commercial context, uses of the National Flag of Canada should adhere to the conditions put in place to maintain the Dignity of the National Flag of Canada, within reason.
- In some cases where a design alludes to the National Flag of Canada (evoking its visual elements) without being perceived as the flag itself, an approval may be granted. Each request must still be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
- While the use of the National Flag of Canada is subject to strict guidelines, there is greater flexibility in the use and creative adaptation of the stylized 11-point maple leaf symbol.
For those interested in seeking approval for the commercial use of protected national and federal symbols outside the purview of the Department of Canadian Heritage, please refer to the following oversight partners:
- For matters related to Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Intellectual Property, please contact IPO_BPI@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.
- For matters related to Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Intellectual Property, please consult the CAF Intellectual Property portal or contact intellectualproperty-proprieteintellectuelle@forces.gc.ca.
- For matters related to Canadian symbols within foreign trademarks, please contact the Intellectual Property and Trade Policy Division at Global Affairs Canada at protectedsymbols-symbolesproteges@international.gc.ca.
- For matters related to Canadian origin claims (‘Made in Canada’, ‘Product of Canada’, etc.), please consult the Canadian label guide.
- For matters related to provincial and/or territorial symbols, please consult the respective protocol office.
Official symbols of the Government of Canada
Symbols such as the Coat of Arms of Canada, the “Canada” Wordmark, and the Government of Canada Signature are normally reserved for use by the Government of Canada, and their commercial use is prohibited in most instances, except to acknowledge financial support from the Government of Canada. These symbols are the responsibility of the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat (TBS). For more information, see the TBS website on the legal protection of the official symbols of the Government of Canada.
Royal emblems
Royal emblems, such as the Royal Crown and the Royal Cypher, are protected symbols under the authority of the Sovereign, and their commercial use is prohibited in most instances. The use of these emblems in Canada is overseen by the Chief Herald of Canada at the Canadian Heraldic Authority. Enquiries regarding the use of these emblems should be directed by email to armorial@gg.ca. For more information, see the Office of the Secretary to the Governor General’s website on the Royal Crown.