Trademark & Legal Notice

Last Updated: January 30, 2026

Trademark Ownership

The trademark BUG ZOO (Canadian Trademark Registration No. TMA593492, Application No. 1039266) is the exclusive property of International Bug Zoos Inc., a British Columbia corporation.

This trademark has been used in Canada continuously since July 16, 1997, and is registered in Classes 35, 41, and 42 covering advertising, marketing, education, entertainment, and scientific services related to entomology.

International Bug Zoos Inc. is owned and operated by Carol W. Maier, a professional entomologist with over 25 years of experience in public insect education. Ms. Maier founded and operated the original Bug Zoo facility in Victoria, British Columbia from 1997 to 2014, pioneering Canada's regulatory framework for exotic insect imports in direct collaboration with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).

Termination of Trademark License

On May 1, 2014, International Bug Zoos Inc. entered into a Trademark License Agreement with Victoria Bug Zoo Inc. (BC Corp. No. BC0988968), permitting the use of the BUG ZOO trademark under specific terms and conditions.

Due to multiple material breaches of that agreement—documented in correspondence dated December 23, 2024; January 3, 2025; and January 22, 2025, among others—the Trademark License Agreement was formally terminated effective February 3, 2025.

This termination was filed with the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) on February 6, 2025 (File No. H001033421).

Any use of the BUG ZOO trademark by Victoria Bug Zoo Inc., its director Mr. Xing Chen, or any affiliated parties after February 3, 2025, is unauthorized and constitutes trademark infringement under Canadian law.

Enforcement History

International Bug Zoos Inc. has a documented history of enforcing its trademark rights. In 2006, the Supreme Court of British Columbia issued a Consent Order (Case No. 04 3867, Victoria Registry) against a previous infringer, requiring cessation of trademark use, payment of damages, and public disclaimer of affiliation.

In October 2025, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) accepted International Bug Zoos Inc. into its Intellectual Property Rights Program (RFA0560). Under this program, CBSA officers are authorized to detain goods suspected of infringing the BUG ZOO trademark at Canadian ports of entry.

Authorized Use

As of the date of this notice, no third party is authorized to use the BUG ZOO trademark in any form, including but not limited to:

Business names, trade names, or corporate identities; domain names or social media accounts; signage, advertising, or promotional materials; merchandise, packaging, or labeling; and any representation implying affiliation with International Bug Zoos Inc.

The only authorized online presence for the BUG ZOO brand is this website: bugzoo.com

Report Infringement

If you encounter unauthorized use of the BUG ZOO trademark, or if you have questions about licensing, please contact:

International Bug Zoos Inc.
Carol W. Maier, Owner/CEO
P.O. Box 41076, RPO Woodgrove
Nanaimo, BC V9T 6M7, Canada
Email: bug.zoo@outlook.com

Legal Disclaimer

This notice is provided for informational purposes and to establish a public record of trademark ownership and enforcement. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice. International Bug Zoos Inc. reserves all rights and remedies available under Canadian trademark law, contract law, and common law, including but not limited to claims for trademark infringement, passing off, breach of contract, and damages.

All rights reserved. © 1997–2026 International Bug Zoos Inc.