Articles 2019

Smart devices have transformed how we engage with technology in our daily lives, for various purposes such as home security, organization, communication, and entertainment. Despite overwhelming use, IoT devices are not inherently secure – and the lack of security can, in part, be exacerbated due to a user’s tech hygiene. This article explores best practices for promoting a cybersecure landscape in Canada.

On December 20, 2023, the Federal Court published the Amended Consolidated General Practice Guidelines. This article provides a summary of key amendments and some friendly reminders from previous practice directions, including guidance on filing electronic records, virtual commissioning, and mode of hearing.

In the recent decision of North Brewing Company Ltd. v DLA Piper (Canada) LLP, 2023 FC 1188, the Federal Court clarifies the extent to which variations of a registered trademark will constitute use of the mark by the owner in cancellation proceedings pursuant to section 45 of the Trademarks Act.

In this ongoing series, we will profile each of the members of the OBA IT/ IP Law Section Executives to learn about them in five minutes or less. It’s five minutes or less because we know that a lot of you docket in six minute increments! Meet this year's Vice-Chair: M. Imtiaz Karamat!

In this ongoing series, we will profile each of the members of the OBA IT/ IP Law Section Executives to learn about them in five minutes or less. It’s five minutes or less because we know that a lot of you docket in six minute increments! Meet this year's Chair: Paul Lomic!

In the recent decision Energizer Brands, LLC v Gilette Company, 2023 FC 804, the Federal Court ruled that Duracell’s use of Energizer’s registered trademarks ENERGIZER and ENERGIZER MAX in comparative advertising on its sticker labels depreciated the goodwill in Energizer’s registered trademarks.

Authors of science fiction are sometimes unduly credited with predicting giant leaps in sci-tech, but the joy of reading them remains. Technology fiction came to be regarded as a serious literary sub-genre in the mid-20th century. The advent of the earliest computer, Alan Turing’s “Turing Machine,” and advancements in space exploration largely coincided with the works of Isaac Asimov, Arthur C. Clarke and Robert Heinlein.