Courtney Doagoo is a doctoral student at the University of Ottawa, Faculty of Law. On September 20, 2011, the General Court of the European Union released its decision to refuse the registration of a Community trademark for the for the former Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) coat of arms, upholding the previous ruling by [...]

Posted in Canada, European Union, Official Marks, Trademarks, US
Comment: 1

Michael Gilburt is a JD candidate at Osgoode Hall Law School. On June 27, 2011, the tobacco giant Philip Morris issued a press release announcing its decision to commence legal action against Australia over proposed legislation which, they argue, illegally diminishes the value of their trade-marks.

Posted in Commercialization, Freedom of Speech, IP, Official Marks, Regulatory Policy, Trademarks
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Stuart Freen is a JD candidate at Osgoode Hall Law School. Vancouver-based yoga sportswear company Lululemon introduced a new line of national-flag themed clothing late last month, just in time for the 2010 Olympics. The new line of sweatshirts, tuques, and t-shirts features the colours of Canada, the United States, Germany and Sweden and is cheekily [...]

Posted in Famous Marks, Official Marks, Trademarks
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O Canada, we stand on guard for thee. But, do other nations stand on guard for Canada? When it comes to protecting official Canadian marks, such as the Canadian maple leaf, apparently Paris Convention Union nation courts are willing to stand up for Canada’s interests. A recent decision by the European Court of Justice has [...]

Posted in Official Marks, Trademarks
Comments: 0