In today's dynamic business landscape, companies are increasingly recognizing the strategic value of securing intellectual property licenses. These agreements, where licensors grant others the right to use their intellectual property, offer a myriad of benefits for both parties involved. From accessing cutting-edge technologies to mitigating risks and generating revenue, the advantages are diverse and impactful. [...]
We are thrilled to announce that Andrews Robichaud, our IP and business law firm based in Ottawa, has been recognized as one of the the "Best IP Lawyers in Ottawa" by the Best in Ottawa website. This recognition is a testament to our commitment to providing exceptional legal services to our clients in the area [...]
On June 17, 2022, in the case of Benjamin Moore & Co. v. Canada (Attorney General), 2022 FC 923 (hereinafter “Benjamin Moore”), Justice Gagné reaffirmed the Federal Court’s position that a patent’s claims should be construed on the basis of “purposive construction” and provided a test for patentability for computer-implemented inventions. In short, the Appellant, [...]
Further to our article of June 17, 2021, as of May 24, 2022, the Quebec government has adopted Bill 96. The amendments will considerably impact the use of non-French trademarks in Québec and would significantly limit the use of non-French trademarks on product packaging and labelling. The Bill also includes restrictions to public signage, posters and commercial [...]
A few weeks ago, we shone the spotlight on LSWorks and its development of its unique ReadLS online cognitive therapy program for teaching people with dyslexia and other reading challenges how to read in about 40 hours of instruction. Last week we highlighted the great work of the Charles Dickens Heritage Foundation and its licensing [...]
Recently, the Supreme Court of Canada dismissed an application for leave to appeal in Travelway Group International Inc. v Group III International Ltd. With this dismissal, the findings of the Courts in this matter are final. As such, it seems like an excellent opportunity to review the history of this matter and how these decisions highlight [...]
The unanimous judgment of the SCC in York University v Canadian Copyright Licensing Agency (Access Copyright), 2021 SCC 32 decisively ends the question of whether Access Copyright (Access) may impose a “mandatory tariff” through the Copyright Board on Canadian educational institutions. This question arose when York University decided in 2011 not to renew its license [...]
On July 3, 2021, the Canadian government published proposed amendments to the Canadian Patent Rules in Part 1 of the Canada Gazette. The proposals are part of a broader effort to meet Canada’s patent term adjustment obligations under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement. The following proposals are intended to streamline the patent examination process: Request for [...]
As an intellectual property lawyer and business advisor, I have spent the last nine months doing a very deep dive into the world of non-fungible tokens (NFTs). Coincidentally, it started even before the widely publicized multi-million dollar sales of NFTs like Beeple’s 5000 Days or Jack Dorsey’s first tweet. Since November, 2020, I have been [...]
What comes to mind when someone asks you about a brand or a trademark? The iconic brands of Coca Cola, Microsoft, Nike? Why are these brands so iconic? How have they evolved over time to evoke more than merely a word or a logo? History of a Brand According to Taylor Holland in The Content [...]
