During a recent meeting, the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) revealed plans for a significant reduction in the first examination of Canadian trademark applications not using the pre-approved list of goods and...more
On January 10, 2024, the Regulation to amend mainly the Regulation respecting the language of commerce and business (Draft Regulation) was published in the Gazette Officielle du Québec. The Draft Regulation was eagerly...more
1/15/2024
/ Advertising ,
Canada ,
Commerce Clause ,
French Language Requirements ,
Generic Marks ,
Marketing ,
Personal Brands ,
Product Packaging ,
Small Business ,
Social Media ,
Trademark Registration ,
Trademarks ,
Websites
Trying some healthy habits in 2024? Your trademarks want you to do the same! A trademark has value when it is distinct and enforceable. Even registered marks can lose value if proper “trademark hygiene” is not followed...more
1/3/2024
/ Brand ,
Canada ,
Domain Name Registration ,
Intellectual Property Protection ,
IP License ,
IP Portfolio ,
Risk Mitigation ,
Trademark Application ,
Trademark Infringement ,
Trademark Litigation ,
Trademark Ownership ,
Trademark Registration ,
Trademarks
In this webinar, our speakers will discuss the recent amendments to the French language requirements in Québec and touch on how they apply to product markings, promotion, and advertisements, plus practical tips on how to take...more
The French language holds the status of official language in the province of Québec through the Charter of the French Language (RLRQ c C-11), thus making the use of the French language mandatory in all spheres of public life...more
In this webinar, our speakers will discuss the French language requirements in Québec as they apply to product markings, promotion, and advertisement, with practical tips on how to take advantage of the “recognized trademark”...more
Since it was introduced in May 2021, a lot of ink has been spilled, to say the least, over Bill 96, which seeks to reinforce the provisions of the Charter of the French Language (the “Charter”).
Smart & Biggar’s...more
Under the Trademarks Act, a trademark that clearly describes (or deceptively misdescribes) where a good or service comes from often cannot be registered. What then does a “place of origin” encompass – a city? a country? a...more
On May 13, 2021, the government of Québec introduced Bill 96 with an intent to “strengthen” the provisions in the Charter of the French language (the French Charter). We do not know whether Bill 96 will be adopted and, if so,...more
Until just a few years ago, most Canadian brand owners doing business abroad had limited options for protecting their trademarks outside of Canada. They were obliged to file separate applications in each country of interest,...more
Until last year, most Canadian brand owners doing business abroad had limited options for protecting their trademarks outside of Canada. They were obliged to file separate applications in each country of interest, except in...more
Co-branding is usually understood as the use of two or more trademarks on a single product, each mark belonging to a different owner and pointing to a different source. A common example of co-branding is a brand A car with...more