Counsel for the Defendants in 278861 Ontario Inc. v Bhagwani et al, 2022 ONSC 905 have asked IPIC to intervene in an appeal to be heard in the Ontario Divisional Court. The appeal relates to the proposed use trademark “Bombay Frankies”. The Intervention Committee has reviewed the request and recommended to the IPIC Board of Directors that IPIC file an intervention provided that pro bono counsel can be retained. The Intervention Committee also recommends that the Chair of the Litigation Committee solicit interest in identifying intervention counsel willing to act on a pro bono basis. Given that the appeal will take place in Ontario, preference should be given to Ontario counsel. The IPIC Board has met on the matter and has agreed that IPIC should intervene on the matter.

Paul was described by long-time friend and colleague Charles Boulakia as “one of a kind, a truly unique soul, a keen wit, and a good friend. I, and the rest of his colleagues at Ridout & Maybee, are devastated by the loss.” The following tribute was provided by his firm where he was a member of the Ridout & Maybee LLP family since 2003. Paul was described by long-time friend and colleague Charles Boulakia as “one of a kind, a truly unique soul, a keen wit, and a good friend. I, and the rest of his colleagues at Ridout & Maybee, are devastated by the loss.” The following tribute was provided by his firm where he was a member of the Ridout & Maybee LLP family since 2003.

IPIC wishes to offer its sincere condolences following the passing of Peter W. McBurney, a long-time member of the Institute for 62 years and Past President of IPIC from 1985-1986.  Following his graduation from university in 1957, Peter trained to become a patent agent in the patent department of Canadian General Electric in Toronto, Canada. He later joined the IP department of McCarthy & McCarthy as a Registered Canadian and United States Patent Agent (1959) and a Registered Professional Engineer (Ontario). After 10 years, he and Donald F. Sim, Q.C., with Harold G. Fox, Q.C as counsel, founded the boutique patent and trademark agency firm, Sim & McBurney, where he remained for more than 45 years in the capacity of Founding Partner, Senior Partner and finally, Senior Consultant.