The Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) has issued a Practice Notice to allow expedited examination of certain trademark applications. To ensure Canadians have timely access to COVID-19 related products and services, effective 14 December 2020,  CIPO began accepting requests for expedited examination of trademark applications associated with medical goods or services related to COVID-19.  The request must be in the form of an affidavit or statutory declaration setting out the circumstances and reasons for the request, including a court action, a counterfeit products issue, or Health Canada approval being sought or obtained.  The goods and services in the application must include at least one of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, medical protective equipment, medical services or medical research services, related to the prevention, diagnosis or treatment of COVID-19.