In The News

Protect trademark interests ahead of legislative changes

Originally published in AdvocateDaily.com Changes are coming to Canada’s trademark laws and holders of proprietary titles should review their registered holdings with counsel, Toronto intellectual property lawyer John Simpson tells AdvocateDaily.com. He says the amendments, expected next year,…

The green rush to register cannabis trademarks

Column by John Simpson in Canadian Lawyer Magazine about registering trademarks in the cannabis industry

Taco Tuesday’ trademark may not be distinctive enough to enforce

Originally published in AdvocateDaily.com A trademark has to be “distinctive” of a single brand to be valid and enforceable, Toronto intellectual property lawyer John Simpson tells MetroNews. A small Calgary taco restaurant is involved in…

Ruling addresses copyright infringement in the digital age

Originally published in AdvocateDaily.com A recent Federal Court case recognized the ease in which digital works can be reproduced and awarded a photographer the maximum statutory damages for infringement of one of his works,…

Strong branding best defence against imitators for unpatentable products

Originally published in AdvocateDaily.com Strong branding is the best defence against copycat products when patenting isn’t an option, says Toronto intellectual property lawyer John Simpson. While it may be tempting for manufacturers to…

Entry into Madrid Protocol opens the world to Canadian trademark owners

Originally published in AdvocateDaily.com With long-awaited reforms to the Trademarks Act coming into effect June 17, Toronto intellectual property lawyer John Simpson says Canada’s entry into the Madrid Protocol is exciting for both trademark practitioners and…

Best to file evidence no matter how strong your trademark case is

Originally published in AdvocateDaily.com Parties in trademark disputes should always put their best foot forward and file evidence to support their position no matter how confident they are, Toronto intellectual property lawyer John…

Kawhi takes to a different court looking for copyright victory

Originally published in AdvocateDaily.com Toronto Raptors superstar Kawhi Leonard’s fight to regain rights to the logo he says he created is a reminder to consider every contingency when it comes to protecting…

Trademark trolls will be stymied by new legislation

Originally published in AdvocateDaily.com Amendments to Canada’s Trademarks Act are bad news for trolls, Toronto intellectual property lawyer John Simpson tells AdvocateDaily.com. The changes are contained in Bill C-86 — the omnibus budget implementation legislation recently introduced by the…

Lawsuit shows why copyright can be tricky area of the law

Originally published in AdvocateDaily.com The extent to which copyright protects concepts is at the heart of a recent lawsuit involving Canadian icon and fictional character Anne Shirley, says Toronto intellectual property lawyer John…

Government’s IP strategy a boon to Canadian SMEs

Originally published in AdvocateDaily.com The federal government’s Intellectual Property Strategy is a positive initiative for Canadian businesses — in particular, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), Toronto intellectual property lawyer John Simpson tells AdvocateDaily.com. The…

Trademark Opposition Board Decisions

Shift Law wins trademark opposition case against Istockphoto LP

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