July is a notoriously bad month for sports fans. No NHL, no NBA, no NFL, and unless your team is above .500 after the all-star break you have probably already…
Category: Trademarks
IP Year in Review 2018 – A Milestone Year for IP Osgoode and Ground-breaking Changes in the Canadian IP landscape
As we settle into 2019, we look forward to topping the successes of the last year! Ten years ago IP Osgoode, Osgoode’s flagship Intellectual Property Law and Technology Program, was…
Target’s Plaid Scarves: Drawing Inspiration or Trademark Infringement?
British fashion-house Burberry is known for its $500 scarves, which are easily recognizable thanks to the brand’s iconic checked pattern. However, with the rise of high-quality imitation designer products, it…
The Confusing Side of Offensive Marks: Matal v Tam’s Implications
The Supreme Court of the United States’ decision in the 2017 case of Matal v Tam (“Matal”) has important implications for trademark law inside and outside of the United States.” …
Art from Fragments: A Legal Framework for the Growth of Canadian Hip-Hop and Digital Sampling
Digital audio sampling—a music production technique whereby sound-clips are extracted from songs and incorporated into new tracks via computer software—is a staple of hip-hop music. With the increased accessibility of…
A Recipe for Protection - A look at trademarks in the restaurant industry
There’s no denying that the restaurant business is a primary gateway to the workforce for many, with well over 1.2 million Canadians being employed through this $80 billion industry. While…