Government seeks input on trademark changes for “Place of Origin” products – CCentral

June 8, 2026

The Government of Canada is launching a public consultation to modernize how it protects products tied to specific locations.

The government wants feedback on how to update Canada’s geographical indications (GI) regime under the Trademarks Act. Officials are especially looking for input from Indigenous Peoples to help shape future policies.

Canada’s intellectual property system plays a key role in helping businesses create value and differentiate their products. Geographical indications are a form of intellectual property that identify products as originating from a specific place, where their quality, reputation or other characteristic is essentially attributed to that location. Geographical indications can build consumer trust and increase awareness by signalling authentic quality tied to a product’s place of origin, while promoting market differentiation, export opportunities and “made in Canada” authenticity.