Is My Guitar Pedal a Klone or a Counterfeit? — No Infringement Intended Podcast
(Podcast) The Briefing: Who Owns WallStreetBets? Trademark Use in Commerce and the Reddit Battle
The Briefing: Who Owns WallStreetBets? Trademark Use in Commerce and the Reddit Battle
(Podcast) The Briefing: Sinking the Rogers Test? What Pepperdine’s Lawsuit Could Mean for Hollywood
The Briefing: Sinking the Rogers Test? What Pepperdine’s Lawsuit Could Mean for Hollywood
(Podcast) The Briefing: Who Owns Jack Nicklaus? Lessons for The Creator Economy From a Brand Battle
(Podcast) The Briefing: Trademark Smoked: The Fall of General Cigar’s COHIBA Registration
The Briefing: Trademark Smoked: The Fall of General Cigar’s COHIBA Registration
(Podcast) The Briefing: Trademark Mayhem – Lady Gaga Gets Sued for Trademark Infringement
The Briefing: Trademark Mayhem – Lady Gaga Gets Sued for Trademark Infringement
The Briefing: Everyone Loves the HBO Series 'White Lotus,' Except Duke University
(Podcast) The Briefing: Everyone Loves the HBO Series 'White Lotus,' Except Duke University
What Were the Cooler Wars? (Part 2) — No Infringement Intended Podcast
The Briefing: The Stanley Cup Clash - A Trademark Battle (Podcast)
The Briefing: The Stanley Cup Clash - A Trademark Battle
Recognizing and Avoiding Trademark Scams and Hoaxes
Why Did the World Wrestling Federation Become WWE? — No Infringement Intended Podcast
(Podcast) The Briefing: Trademark Turbulence – Oakland vs SFO in Trademark Showdown
The Briefing: Trademark Turbulence – Oakland vs SFO in Trademark Showdown
(Podcast) The Briefing: Bad Spirits – How a Dog Toy Changed TV Title Clearance
“Scandalous, obscene or immoral” trademarks are not only unregistrable in Canada, but they are also unlawful to adopt in connection with a business “as a trademark or otherwise.” While similar prohibitions have been deemed...more
In July 2024, I discussed proposed changes to trademark proceedings in Canada. Following a public consultation period, revised Regulations came into force on April 1, 2024 that incorporate those proposed changes. The changes...more
On April 1, 2025, long-awaited amendments to Canada’s Trademarks Act and Trademarks Regulations will come into force. The purpose of the amendments is to discourage abuse of Canada’s trademarks regime and to improve the...more
Le registraire des marques de commerce (le « registraire ») peut désormais exiger des propriétaires de marques de commerce déposées auprès de l’Office de la propriété intellectuelle du Canada qu’ils présentent des preuves...more
In 2024, we witnessed several notable developments in Canadian IP litigation. These included the Supreme Court granting leave for an appeal on the patentability of methods of medical treatment, a successful patent invalidity...more
In this article, we review a number of notable Canadian trademark cases from 2024 and highlight key developments in Canadian trademarks practice. On February 5, 2025, join us for an insightful webinar as we deliver a roundup...more
The Registrar of Trademarks (Registrar) can now request that owners of trademarks registered with the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) submit proof of use of certain trademarks or face expungement of those marks...more
Join us for an insightful session as our presenters Pelle Berends, Tierney G.B. Deluzio, Meika Ellis and Kwan T. Loh deliver a roundup of Canadian trademark law, highlighting some of the most important new cases and practice...more
The author of the lyrics for Canada’s national anthem, “O Canada,” probably didn’t have trademarks in mind when he wrote “we stand on guard for thee.” But a recent trademark infringement win for a Maryland-based U.S....more
Survey evidence can be used in trademark disputes to establish consumer perception and brand power. A recent Federal Court decision provides guidance on factors that may influence the admissibility of online survey evidence....more
A recent Canadian decision illustrates how powerful interlocutory injunctions can be for trademark owners involved in trademark infringement litigation in Canada. On January 2, 2024, in Amer Sports Canada Inc v Adidas Canada...more
In a decision dated January 24, 2024, Justice Pallotta allowed Novartis’ application, finding that Biogen and Samsung’s use of the trademark BYOOVIZ in association with an ophthalmologic drug violates Novartis’ rights in its...more
Online takedowns are an essential and effective tool for intellectual property rightsholders. Such tools are a common response to infringement on online marketplaces. A recent Canadian decision highlights the risks associated...more
Trying some healthy habits in 2024? Your trademarks want you to do the same! A trademark has value when it is distinct and enforceable. Even registered marks can lose value if proper “trademark hygiene” is not followed...more
Canada has emerged as a popular jurisdiction for trademark designations under the Madrid Protocol, a global system facilitating streamlined protection of marks across multiple countries. According to WIPO’s Madrid Yearly...more
This spring, join our Smart & Biggar trademark experts and gain new insights at our popular Canadian Trademarks webinar series. Each webinar provides practical tips and strategies for global brand protection in Canada, with a...more
The Federal Court recently had occasion to revisit the issue of confusion between foreign-language trademarks involving the use of Chinese characters in Canada. ...more
The proverbial brand owner’s guidebook became a little bigger in 2022. Developments in practice opened new avenues for securing and enforcing trademark rights over the past year, including an “accelerated” path to trademark...more
There were several notable trademark cases in Canada in 2020, including those addressing comparative advertising, depreciation of goodwill, brand parody, trademark ‘use’ in the absence of a brick-and-mortar location, and...more
The Federal Court of Canada (the “FCTD“) recently released Toys “R” Us (Canada) Ltd v Herbs “R” Us Wellness Society, in which it considered whether a cannabis company, Herbs “R” Us Wellness Society (“Herbs R Us“), had...more
Late last month, in a landmark decision heralded by brand owners, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Romag Fasteners, Inc v Fossil Group, Inc that a plaintiff in a trademark infringement suit is not required to show that a...more
Brand owners looking to enforce their rights expeditiously (and inexpensively) need look no further than Canada, which offers brand owners a number of tools to obtain relief against infringers and counterfeiters in a...more
In IP litigation, expert testimony is common and important. Experts may provide the court with a scientific primer in highly complex cases. In patent litigation, experts may construe complex claims through the eyes of a...more
On July 22, 2019, the Federal Court issued its decision in Loblaws Inc v Columbia Insurance Company, 2019 FC 961. Pampered Chef, a Berkshire Hathaway company and a world-leader in the sale of premium kitchenware products, has...more
Furans in Baby Food May Pose Health Risk, EFSA Reports - The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has issued an assessment of the risks of furans and related compounds 2- and 3-methylfurans, concluding that they pose a...more