Government of Canada official symbols: legal protection and requests
The use of the Government of Canada’s official symbols is restricted to the communications, operations and activities of the Government of Canada. The official symbols, shown below, including all of their design and colour variations, are protected against unauthorized use in Canada and abroad under:
- Trademarks Act, Section 9(1) - prohibited marks
- Copyright Act
- Article 6ter of the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property
The official symbols are also used to identify the Government of Canada’s participation in a federal partnering or sponsorship arrangement, a grant or contribution, or the government’s role in a jointly managed initiative.
Designs, logos or marks that are similar to, or that could be easily mistaken for, the official symbols are pursued by the Government of Canada as unauthorized use.
| Symbol | Description | Canadian trademark number | WIPO registration number |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
The Government of Canada signature combines the flag symbol and title “Government of Canada” in both official languages. |
0972261, 0972262 |
CA14, CA15 |
 |
The Canada wordmark is composed of the word “Canada” with the flag symbol above the last “a.” |
0972263, 0902330 |
CA16 |
 |
The arms of Canada is used to identify departments whose heads report directly to Parliament, institutions that have a quasi-judicial function, ambassadors, heads of consulates or missions, and the Clerk of the Privy Council. It is also referred to as the Canadian coat of arms and the royal arms of Canada. |
0972257, 0972258, 0907729 |
CA10, CA11 |
Discontinued marks and variations
The arms of Canada and Government of Canada signature have changed over the years. However, all versions are still protected under the Trademarks Act.
| Symbol | Description | Canadian trademark number |
|---|---|---|
 |
Arms of Canada |
0902323 |
 |
Arms of Canada |
0970442 |
 |
Government of Canada signature |
0902329 |
Requests to reproduce Government of Canada official symbols
Requests sometimes involve reproducing Government of Canada materials that contain official symbols, such as historical records, government vehicles, aircraft, vessels, buildings, uniforms, equipment, documentary productions, educational materials or scale models.
Requests of this nature should be directed to the federal department responsible for the subject matter or materials being reproduced. Departments are responsible for determining whether a proposed use is appropriate, taking into account their mandate, operational requirements, legal considerations and applicable Government of Canada policies.
A list of Government of Canada departments and agencies is available on Canada.ca.
Reporting unauthorized use
Unauthorized use of Government of Canada official symbols is often connected to a broader activity, such as government services, product labelling, marketing or government funding programs.
Concerns about unauthorized use should be reported to the federal department responsible for the underlying subject matter or activity. Departments are responsible for assessing these situations and determining the appropriate response.
A list of Government of Canada departments and agencies is available on Canada.ca.
Federal Identity Program enquiries
The Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat is responsible for the government-wide administration of the Federal Identity Program (FIP). Within each federal department, the head of communications is responsible for ensuring compliance with federal identity policy requirements, supported by the department’s FIP coordinator, where one has been designated.
Questions about the application of the FIP or the use of Government of Canada official symbols should be directed to the appropriate departmental FIP coordinator.
A list of departmental FIP coordinators is available on Canada.ca.
Other enquiries
Questions concerning the following official symbols should be directed to the department of Canadian Heritage:
- the National Flag of Canada and the 11-point maple leaf depicted in the flag
- the arms of Canada outside its use as part of the Government of Canada’s corporate identity, including requests involving the full-colour arms of Canada
International requests or complaints involving Government of Canada official symbols, the National Flag of Canada or the 11-point maple leaf should be directed to the Intellectual Property Trade Policy Division at Global Affairs Canada.