If you're an entrepreneur, you know that protecting your intellectual property should be high on your list when it comes to safeguarding your company. However, as a successful business owner, you also know the steps and costs of filing a trademark in the CA can be expensive and arduous.
This conundrum can be even more overwhelming for new business owners who want to do everything possible to minimize the price of securing trademarks. They try to handle complicated tasks like trademark registration on their own, which can be a big mistake - especially when juggling the day-to-day tasks of running a business. You may be thinking, "But what about those set-it-and-forget-it services you can find online? All you have to do is plug in your info, and you're done." Using pre-made templates for trademark filing can be tempting, but doing so can leave you with inadequate protection and hurt you in the long run.
So, what is the easiest, most cost-effective route to consider that also minimizes legal risk? The truth is, before you spend money on an online filing service, it's best to consult with a trademark attorney working with clients in Oakville, Ontario.
At Sausser Summers, PC, our experienced trademark attorneys can help you understand the trademark process step by step. We can even help with CA trademark filing, CA trademark responses, and CA trademark renewals at a price you can actually afford. That way, you can make an informed decision regarding your business without having to break the bank.
Hiring an attorney can be a daunting task, but at Sausser Summers, PC, our goal is to make the process as simple and seamless as possible for you. That's why we offer a straightforward checkout service. First, you choose your flat fee trademark service and fill out a short questionnaire. Then, we will contact you within 24 hours to discuss the details of our service. From there, one of our experienced trademark attorneys will get to work on your behalf.
Using a trademark attorney for filing in Oakville, Ontario, can significantly increase your chances of a successful registration. The CA government recommends hiring a trademark attorney to help with your application, and our team of trademark lawyers is dedicated to meeting your needs. In fact, we help ensure your application is filed correctly the first time so you can get on with your life and avoid legal risks.
At Sausser Summers, PC, we work closely with our clients to understand their needs and provide them with sound professional advice. We never offer incomplete services, such as simply filing for registration, because that would leave you open to legal risks. You can rely on us to handle your intellectual property matters, and our flat fee services can help protect your business in a simple, straightforward, and affordable way. It's really that simple.
In terms of filing a CA trademark, we provide an easy three-step process to protect your intellectual property:
1. You provide your trademark info to our team via an online form.
2. Our team performs a comprehensive trademark search. This search ensures that no other marks will prevent you from registering your trademark in the CA Once performed, we'll send you a legal opinion letter that details our findings.
3. Sausser Summers, PC, files your CA trademark application. We are then listed as your Attorney of Record on file. From there, we'll provide ongoing updates regarding the status of your trademark as it works through the registration process.
The bottom line? At Sausser Summers, PC, we give both new and seasoned business owners an easy, efficient, cost-effective way to protect the one asset that sets them apart from others: their name.
At Sausser Summers, PC, we give both new and seasoned business owners an easy, efficient, cost-effective way to protect the one asset that sets them apart from others: their name.
It's not necessary to be a lawyer in order to apply for a trademark. Anyone can submit a trademark application to the CA Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). However, registering a trademark involves more than just filling out a form. It's essential to conduct thorough research, accurately identify and clearly explain your trademark to ensure it receives adequate protection. And even after securing a trademark, you've got to monitor it consistently to make sure it's free from infringement.
The big takeaway here is that it's always a good idea to work with a trademark attorney to protect the intellectual property that you've worked so hard to establish. According to the Wall Street Journal, applicants are approximately 50% more likely to secure their trademark than people who file applications on their own. If your trademark application is rejected by the USPTO, you will need to revise and refile it, incurring additional filing fees. To avoid delays and extra costs, it is best to have a trademark lawyer help you get it right the first time.
Great trademark attorneys (like those you'll find at Sausser Summers, PC) will help with every step of filing and enforcing your trademark. Some additional benefits include the following:
Check to see if your proposed trademark is registered by another entity.
Conduct research to see if another business is using the trademark for which you're applying.
Provide advice and guidance on the strength of your trademark.
Draft and submit your trademark applications and application revisions.
Advice and guidance regarding trademark maintenance and protection.
Monitor the market for unauthorized use of your trademark.
Trademark enforcement to protect you against infringement.
Curious whether our trademark attorney services are right for you and your business? Contact Sausser Summer, PC, today. Let's talk about what you need, and how we can help.
Online services, can provide you with basic assistance in filing your trademark. However, they will never be a legitimate substitute for an experienced trademark attorney helping clients in Oakville, Ontario.
Although online filing services offer a step-by-step process, they take a one-size-fits-all approach to preparing legal documents. Even their advanced service only provides basic attorney assistance in completing your paperwork and helping with minor roadblocks. Online filing services' disclaimer highlights the many limitations of its services, including the fact that communications are not protected by attorney-client privilege. In addition, online filing services cannot provide advice, explanations, opinions, recommendations, or any kind of legal guidance on possible legal rights, remedies, defenses, options, selection of forms or strategies.
In other words, online filing services can offer you the necessary forms and point you in the right direction, but they cannot customize their services to your specific needs or help you with serious complications that may arise.
For the most comprehensive trademark service and protection, it's always wise to work with highly rated trademark lawyers, like you'll find at Sausser Summers, PC.
Trademarks in the CA can last indefinitely, but did you know that clients in Oakville, Ontario can file a trademark online, only to lose protection in some circumstances? Trademarks differ from patents and copyrights in that they do not have an expiration date. However, to prevent the cancellation of a trademark, you must maintain it. To ensure that your trademark remains protected, you must actively use it in commerce and renew it with the USPTO every ten years.
The Lanham Act tells us that "use in commerce" is the legitimate use of a trademark in the ordinary course of trade. In other words, you cannot register a trademark solely to reserve the rights to it in the future. In most cases, a trademark must be used continuously in connection with the goods or services it is registered for.
Trademarks are registered with the USPTO and generally need to be renewed every ten years. However, there is one crucial exception that you should be aware of. Within the first ten years of owning a trademark, you must file for renewal between the fifth and sixth year from the date of your initial registration.
During this renewal period, you are required to submit a Section 8 declaration, a specimen that shows how the mark is being used, and pay the required fee. You can also apply for Section 15 Incontestability status, which can strengthen your trademark rights. This application, although not mandatory, can make it harder for others to challenge your ownership of the mark.
After the first renewal, which falls between the fifth and sixth year of ownership, the next renewal filing is due between the ninth and tenth year, and then every tenth year thereafter. In the ninth year you will need to file a Section 8 declaration, attesting to your use of the mark or excusable nonuse. You've also got to file a Section 9 renewal application before the end of the tenth year to keep your registration active.
It is worth noting that the USPTO provides a six-month grace period if you fail to renew your mark within the required time frame, but it is best not to rely on it. If you don't file within the grace period time limits, the USPTO will cancel and expire your mark.
By hiring trademark attorneys helping clients in Oakville, Ontario, you can avoid the pitfalls and mistakes that can arise and cause you to lose your rights to the mark that represents it.
In the event that you stop using your trademark and have no plans to resume using it in commerce, it may be considered abandoned by the USPTO. This could result in the loss of your protective rights to the mark. Typically, a trademark is assumed to be abandoned if it has not been used for three years. However, you may be able to refute this presumption by providing evidence that you intend to use the mark again in the future.
In addition to trademark abandonment, you should also be wary of improper licensing. It's important to remember that once you allow someone else to use your trademark, you must keep an eye on how they use it. You should monitor the products or services that feature your trademark to ensure that they meet consumers' expectations in terms of quality. Failure to do so can lead to a "naked" trademark license and the loss of your protective trademark rights.
If you're wondering how you can avoid refiling your trademark, the answer is simple: file it correctly the first time around. Filing a trademark isn't inherently difficult, but when doing so, it's very important that certain aspects are filled out accurately in your application. If any information is missing or incorrect, the trademark application may be considered "void ab initio" or void from the beginning, requiring you to file again.
To avoid this, make sure that the information you provide in the application is accurate and complete, including the ownership of the trademark. For instance, if a corporation has multiple shareholders, it should not file under the President's personal name. The rightful owner should be the one/entity that ultimately controls the trademark and the associated goods/services.
It is also important to ensure that the goods and/or services description is precise. For example, if you sell electronic products, you should not file for research and development services despite having a research and development department. The goods/services description should reflect the goods/services you offer to customers, not the departments within your business.
Additionally, providing accurate dates of first use when filing for a trademark is crucial. The USPTO requires two dates to be specified - the date of first use anywhere and the date of first use in interstate commerce. Contact our trademark law office today to learn more about having accurate dates on your filing paperwork.
At Sausser Summers, PC, we often get questions about how to distinguish run-of-the-mill consultants and others from great trademark attorneys. After all - when you're looking for an attorney to file or prosecute your business trademark, you should know their qualifications. Here are three ways you can separate the proverbial wheat from the chaff when it comes to trademark attorneys.
It's crucial to seek legal advice from a licensed trademark lawyer rather than relying on advice from non-professionals like trademark consultants. The USPTO even recommends hiring an attorney to help with the trademark process. Although trademark consultants may provide advice on trademark availability or name marketability, they cannot file the trademark for you or offer legal advice. According to the Rules of Practicing in trademark cases, "Individuals who are not attorneys are not recognized to practice before the Office in trademark matters." This rule applies to individuals who assist trademark applicants.
When searching for a trademark attorney, it's important to find someone with a strong background in trademark law. Look for an attorney who specializes in this area and has significant experience handling trademark-related cases. Avoid lawyers who don't have expertise in this field, as they may not be able to provide the guidance and support you need.
Ensure your attorney provides updates throughout the trademark registration process to avoid missing deadlines, including responding to any Office actions within six months. Failure to do so can result in trademark abandonment. The USPTO will only correspond with the listed attorney of record, so make sure your attorney keeps you informed.
In summary:
Building your brand and gaining recognition for it is a significant achievement, and it's important to protect it. However, there are certain pitfalls and mistakes that can arise, causing you to lose your rights to the mark that represents it. By working with knowledgeable trademark attorneys, you can avoid these issues and file your trademark successfully.
With an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Sausser Summers, PC, offers comprehensive guidance, strategic advice, and reliable representation for a variety of trademark matters. Our attorneys have years of real-world experience and, having registered countless trademarks with the USPTO, provide our clients with individualized representation when they need it most.
If you're looking for skilled, adept, and experienced counsel, look no further than our trademark law firm. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation and learn how we can help you safeguard your brand.
Costco fans rejoice — the newest Ontario wholesale location is set to open in the Greater Toronto Area in 2027.Now that a final site approval plan has been granted for an Oakville Costco on Wyecroft Road, Mayor Rob Burton has announced that the upcoming store is looking like it will be ready to welcome in members in the fall of next year.And with no other Costco in town, the opening will mark Oakville’s first wholesale location.ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW “With demolition underway, and permits in re...
Costco fans rejoice — the newest Ontario wholesale location is set to open in the Greater Toronto Area in 2027.
Now that a final site approval plan has been granted for an Oakville Costco on Wyecroft Road, Mayor Rob Burton has announced that the upcoming store is looking like it will be ready to welcome in members in the fall of next year.
And with no other Costco in town, the opening will mark Oakville’s first wholesale location.
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
“With demolition underway, and permits in review, construction is expected to begin this spring, pointing to a likely fall 2027 opening,” Burton shared on social media.
“Regional approvals for traffic signals and site access are secured, with additional infrastructure improvements underway to support this highly anticipated project.”
The store is proposed to have more than 15,500 square metres of gross floor area, with a total of 1,000 parking spaces, according to the site plan application.
The location is also said to be getting a gas bar on the northeast corner of the site near the South Service Road West and RioCan Boulevard intersection.
In August of last year, Costco launched a new location, also in the GTA, at 107 Harry Walker Pky. S., west of Highway 404 near Davis Drive, in Newmarket.
The Newmarket warehouse is more than 166,000 square feet and features an “extensive selection of food offerings.” This includes a fresh sushi bar, the third of its kind in Canada, according to Costco.
And this store was a relocation of the previous East Gwillimbury spot, which served members at 18182 Yonge St. for nearly 23 years.
However, the Yonge Street location has since reopened to its members, but this time designed to fit the needs of businesses.
Across Canada, Costco has more than 10 million members and is one of the nation’s largest retailers, averaging $25 billion in sales per year, according to the company.
In Toronto, there are several Costco locations, including its stores at 42 Overlea Blvd., 100 Billy Bishop Way and 50 Queen Elizabeth Blvd.
In October 2025, the company also brought a new Business Centre to Mississauga at 3115 Argentia Rd.
Over in Quebec, another new Business Centre opened in December of last year.
For now, as the community in Oakville awaits the newest location in town, another Costco can be found at 1225 Brant St. in Burlington.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - February 20, 2026) - Happy Belly Food Group Inc. (CSE: HBFG) (OTCQB: HBFGF) ("Happy Belly" or the "Company"), a leading consolidator of emerging restaurant brands, is pleased to announce the grand opening of its newest location for Heal Wellness ("Heal") in Oakville, Ontario (Greater Toronto Area), on Saturday, February 21st, 2026. The new Heal Wellness location is located at 245 Lakeshore Rd E, Unit 2, Oakville, Ontario. Heal Wellness is a fast...
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - February 20, 2026) - Happy Belly Food Group Inc. (CSE: HBFG) (OTCQB: HBFGF) ("Happy Belly" or the "Company"), a leading consolidator of emerging restaurant brands, is pleased to announce the grand opening of its newest location for Heal Wellness ("Heal") in Oakville, Ontario (Greater Toronto Area), on Saturday, February 21st, 2026. The new Heal Wellness location is located at 245 Lakeshore Rd E, Unit 2, Oakville, Ontario. Heal Wellness is a fast-growing quick-service restaurant ("QSR") brand specializing in fresh smoothie bowls, açaí bowls, and smoothies, built around clean ingredients and a better-for-you lifestyle.
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"This Oakville opening marks another meaningful step forward as we continue scaling Heal across high-quality, health-forward markets," said Sean Black, Chief Executive Officer of Happy Belly Food Group. "This location benefits from strong visibility in a well-established corridor that supports consistent, all-day demand. We're also proud to be partnering with experienced multi-unit franchisee David Lamph on his fifth Heal opening. David brings a proven track record in restaurant operations and has more Heal locations already under construction.
Located in one of the GTA's most desirable lakeside communities, the Oakville location is positioned to serve a mix of residents, commuters, and destination traffic seeking convenient, better-for-you options. With a menu anchored in functional, grab-and-go offerings, Heal is well positioned to build repeat visitation from morning through evening.
"Heal Wellness continues to expand rapidly across Canada and into the United States, solidifying its position as a leading acai and smoothie bowl brand. With 33 locations now open and more than 175 in development, Heal contributes to Happy Belly's broader portfolio of 666 contractually committed retail franchise locations across multiple emerging brands in various stages of development, construction, and operation. Our predictable and disciplined growth engine continues to deliver measurable results as we expand our brands across Canada and the U.S to create long-term value for our shareholders."
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"We are just getting started," added Sean Black.
About Heal Wellness Heal Wellness was founded with a passion and mission to provide quick, fresh wellness foods that support a busy and active lifestyle. We currently offer a diverse range of smoothie bowls and smoothies. We take pride in meticulously selecting every superfood ingredient on our menu to fuel the body, including acai smoothie bowls, smoothies, and super-seed grain bowls. Our smoothie bowls are crafted with real fruit and enriched with superfoods like acai, pitaya, goji berries, chia seeds, and more.
FranchisingFor franchising inquiries please see www.happybellyfg.com/franchise-with-us/ or contact us at hello@happybellyfg.com.
About Happy Belly Food GroupHappy Belly Food Group Inc. (CSE: HBFG) (OTCQB: HBFGF) ("Happy Belly" or the "Company") is a leader in acquiring and scaling emerging food brands. The Company's portfolio includes Heal Wellness, Rosie's Burgers, Yolks Breakfast, Via Cibo Italian Street Food, and others.
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Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release, which has been prepared by management.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
All statements in this press release, other than statements of historical fact, are "forward-looking information" with respect to the Company within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-Looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur and include the future performance of Happy Belly and her subsidiaries. Forward-Looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates at the date the statements are made and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements. There are uncertainties inherent in forward-looking information, including factors beyond the Company's control. There are no assurances that the business plans for Happy Belly described in this news release will come into effect on the terms or time frame described herein. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change except as required by law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. For a description of the risks and uncertainties facing the Company and its business and affairs, readers should refer to the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis and other disclosure filings with Canadian securities regulators, which are posted on .
They represented Japan, but the gold medal earned by Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara in pairs figure skating at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics was very much made in Ontario.Miura, 24, and Kihara, 33, who came from well behind with a world-record free skate on Monday (Feb. 16), proudly secured Japan’s first-ever gold medal in pairs skating. But despite their heritage, much of their training has taken place at Skate Oakville, under the mentorship of coaches Bruno Marcotte and Meagan Duhamel.Since 2019, Skate Oakville has b...
They represented Japan, but the gold medal earned by Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara in pairs figure skating at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics was very much made in Ontario.
Miura, 24, and Kihara, 33, who came from well behind with a world-record free skate on Monday (Feb. 16), proudly secured Japan’s first-ever gold medal in pairs skating. But despite their heritage, much of their training has taken place at Skate Oakville, under the mentorship of coaches Bruno Marcotte and Meagan Duhamel.
Since 2019, Skate Oakville has been the training centre of Miura and Kihara, who were already world champions in 2023 and 2025 and had taken team silver medals in 2022 and this year in Italy. But it is the gold medal that has Oakville talking.
“A huge congratulations to Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara on their historic victory in Milan!” said Mayor Rob Burton on his Facebook page. “After a tough short program, they delivered a world-record free skate to the music of Gladiator, securing Japan’s first-ever Olympic gold in pairs skating. “We are incredibly proud that this world-record-breaking team calls Oakville home. Bruno (Marcotte) and Meagan (Duhamel) have been building a powerhouse program at our local club, and today, that hard work reached the top of the world stage. Oakville is cheering for you!”
Based out of Sixteen Mile Sports Complex, Skate Oakville (originally the Oakville Figure Skating Club) has been operating for almost 90 years, and is Canada’s largest skating club with over 2,500 members. It has been the training home for elite skaters such as Maria and Otto Jelinek, who were world champions in 1962.
The championship form displayed by Miura and Kihara set a new world record with 158.13 points for Monday’s free skate, but victory was hard to come by. The pair had to recover from an earlier slip-up on a lift in the short program that put them into fifth place.
Miura said she was devastated after the short program, but coach Marcotte had inspirational words.
“My main message to them today was be the best in the world. Don’t worry about yesterday,” Marcotte related to the Associated Press. “I told them that it wasn’t over. Before they went out on the ice, I just said, ‘Be yourself.’”
Oakville skating fans were quick to heap praise on the two, saying that their victory was well-deserved.
“Powerful and moving. What an amazing performance! I love these two,” said one commenter who summed up the opinion of many who watched the skate.
Another said Miura and Kihara are very much part of the community fabric of Oakville and Canada, even though they compete for another nation.
“I have watched them out on the ice, training every day starting at 6 a.m. That is dedication,” said another on social media. “I can say I am just as proud of them as any other athlete from this country. They were unbelievable.”