Intellectual Property

Levi’s lawsuit demonstrates the many sides of trademark law

Just as trademarks can take many forms so too can trademark infringement, says Toronto intellectual property lawyer John Simpson, pointing to a recent lawsuit filed by Levi’s. In a multi-pronged lawsuit, it is…

Elon Musk waves bye-bye birdie to the iconic Twitter brand

Changing social media giant Twitter’s brand to X is a risky choice but there may well be more to the decision than meets the eye, says Toronto intellectual property lawyer John Simpson. Elon…

‘Taco Tuesday’ should be for everyone, Taco Bell insists

Taco Bell has thrown down the legal gauntlet in a public-relations-driven battle for “Taco Tuesday,” says Toronto intellectual property lawyer John Simpson. The restaurant giant recently filed a petition with the U.S. Patent…

Canadian copyright law likely to be influenced by Warhol decision

A U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS) ruling that saw the Andy Warhol Foundation lose its copyright fight with a celebrity photographer may have “some persuasive authority in Canadian courts,” says Toronto intellectual property lawyer John Simpson….

Using AI to copy photos ‘raises an interesting legal question’

A lawsuit brought by an international visual content creator and provider against a company that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to generate computer-synthesized images could impact the future of copyright law, says Toronto…

New legislation will be needed to deal with AI’s expanding scope

With the ever-expanding role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the creative process, Canada’s laws will need to be amended to define and protect intellectual property rights, says Toronto intellectual property lawyer John Simpson….

Court decision brings trademark law back in sync

A unanimous decision from a three-judge panel of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice (Divisional Court) effectively brings trademark law in Ontario back in line with Federal Court trademark law, says Toronto…

What’s in a name? In trademark law it can depend on how it is used

Registering a catchy phrase or slogan as a trademark is not the simple matter it may seem and keeping it can be even more of a challenge, says Toronto intellectual property lawyer John Simpson….

Realtor up in arms about copycat ad, but does he have an IP claim?

A lawsuit alleging a Hamilton realtor stole a signature outstretched arms advertising pose from an American counterpart would make for a “fun fact scenario in a law school intellectual property class,” says…

Dunder Mifflin paper chase offers a lesson in trademark protection

A lawsuit involving the rights to the name Dunder Mifflin – a fictional paper company featured in NBC’s The Office – is a reminder of the importance of monitoring trademarks, says Toronto intellectual property…

Mariah Carey copyright case reveals need to deter abusive lawsuits

A recent copyright infringement claim targeting Mariah Carey’s iconic song All I Want for Christmas is You demonstrates the need for stronger deterrents for questionable lawsuits, says Toronto intellectual property lawyer John Simpson. Singer and…

Laws relating to photographs of people can be surprising

Just because someone took your photograph doesn’t mean you have the right to use the image as you wish, says Toronto intellectual property lawyer John Simpson. Simpson, principal of IP and new media…

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