Earlier this month, the Federal Court issued its decision in Subway IP LLC v Budway, Cannabis & Wellness Store, 2021 FC 583, a case involving a cannabis retailer that knowingly adopted a parody mark in connection with its...more
There were several notable trademark cases in Canada in 2020, including those addressing comparative advertising, depreciation of goodwill, brand parody, trademark ‘use’ in the absence of a brick-and-mortar location, and...more
The Federal Court of Canada (the “FCTD“) recently released Toys “R” Us (Canada) Ltd v Herbs “R” Us Wellness Society, in which it considered whether a cannabis company, Herbs “R” Us Wellness Society (“Herbs R Us“), had...more
In a recent decision of Canada’s Federal Court illustrates the danger of adopting a mark or name “inspired” by a famous or well-known brand, even when confusion is unlikely. The decision is a cautionary tale, particularly for...more
On July 22, 2019, the Federal Court issued its decision in Loblaws Inc v Columbia Insurance Company, 2019 FC 961. Pampered Chef, a Berkshire Hathaway company and a world-leader in the sale of premium kitchenware products, has...more
A recent decision of the Federal Court of Appeal sheds light on a streamlined litigation procedure that brand owners may find attractive. In Group III International Ltd v Travelway Group International Ltd, 2017 FCA 215...more
Smart & Biggar prevails at trial on behalf of Diageo in trade dress case. On June 12, 2017, the Federal Court issued its 99-page decision in Diageo Canada Inc v Heaven Hill Distilleries Inc et al, 2017 FC 571. The Court...more
In August 2015 we reported on the decision of the British Columbia Supreme Court (“BCSC”) in Vancouver Community College v Vancouver Career College (Burnaby) Inc, 2015 BCSC 1470. That decision was notable in Canadian...more