The Canadian Intellectual Property Office has released the IP Canada Report 2025, its tenth annual report examining intellectual property activity in Canada and by Canadians abroad.
Published under Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, the report provides a data driven look at trends in patents, trademarks, industrial designs, and plant breeders’ rights, offering valuable insight for innovators, brand owners, and legal professionals alike.
At its core, the report confirms that Canada continues to play an important role in the global intellectual property ecosystem. While some filing volumes have moderated following the pandemic surge, long term growth trends remain strong and Canadian innovators are increasingly active both at home and internationally.
A Snapshot of IP Activity
Patent filings in Canada totaled just over thirty five thousand applications in 2024, reflecting a modest year over year decline. What stands out, however, is that filings by Canadian residents increased. This suggests growing domestic engagement with patent protection, even as global filing volumes stabilize. Canadian innovators also continue to seek protection abroad, with tens of thousands of patent applications filed internationally in the most recent reported year.
Trademark activity followed a different trajectory. Trademark applications filed in Canada declined again in 2024, marking the third consecutive annual decrease. This trend is widely understood as a normalization following exceptionally high filing volumes during the pandemic years, when businesses rushed to secure brand protection in rapidly changing markets. Importantly, trademark filings remain well above pre pandemic levels, underscoring the continued importance of brand strategy in Canada.
Industrial design filings showed steady performance, supported in part by international filings under the Hague System. Of particular note is the significant growth in industrial design filings by Canadians abroad, which reached record levels. This points to a strong emphasis on product design and visual branding as Canadian businesses expand into international markets.
Canada in a Global Context
The report also places Canadian IP activity within a broader international framework. Applicants from the United States and China continue to represent a substantial share of filings in Canada, particularly in the trademark space. This reflects Canada’s position as an
attractive and commercially relevant jurisdiction for global brand owners seeking market access and enforcement certainty.
At the same time, the data shows that Canadian applicants are increasingly outward looking. Growth in foreign filings by Canadians across multiple IP rights suggests greater confidence in exporting innovation, technology, and brand value beyond Canada’s borders.
Why This Report Matters
The IP Canada Report is more than a statistical snapshot. It is a strategic tool. Businesses can use the data to understand competitive landscapes, identify emerging trends, and make informed decisions about where and how to invest in intellectual property protection. For policymakers and advisors, the report offers insight into how innovation and commercialization are evolving across sectors and regions.
CIPO continues to expand access to its data through tools such as IP Horizons, allowing users to explore filing activity in greater detail and tailor analysis to their specific interests.
Final Thoughts
The IP Canada Report 2025 paints a picture of a resilient and maturing intellectual property environment. Canadian innovators are increasingly active, international engagement remains strong, and intellectual property continues to play a central role in economic growth and competitiveness.
For businesses and IP owners, the message is clear. Understanding these trends is essential to building effective, forward looking IP strategies in an increasingly global and data driven marketplace.
