July 2, 2020
IPIC Member Profile: Richard Levy
This is the second edition of IPIC's member profile series on the UnscrIPted blog, which features a monthly interview with a Canadian IP professional to discuss their career accomplishments, interests and overall outlook on the IP profession. Richard Levy has been an IPIC member since 1986 and has been a member of multiple IPIC Committees, as well as the Chair of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee. He is based in Montreal, where he runs his private practice, Levy IP Law and Dispute Resolutions.
June 18, 2020
Get To Know The ExploreIP Tool From Canada's Intellectual Property Strategy
Launched in August 2019 as part of Canada’s Intellectual Property Strategy, ExploreIP is a free online tool that provides businesses, entrepreneurs and innovators a new way to discover intellectual property (IP) held by public sector institutions such as government, academia or other public sector institutions. A showcase of Canada’s research expertise, ExploreIP supports ground-breaking research and discoveries by stimulating collaborations to help launch the next big thing in innovation.
June 12, 2020
Cost Deferral and Other Strategies For Your Patent Portfolio During COVID-19
COVID-19 is an event that came into existence suddenly and in a matter of months changed the way the world works. As a result, this unprecedented crisis is having a significant impact on the global economy. However, it is clear that the importance and value of innovation is not affected by this crisis and it is the businesses that best position themselves and protect their innovations that will emerge from this crisis as leaders.
June 10, 2020
Why Many More IP Disputes May End Up Being Resolved On An Online ADR Platform
The vast array of platforms that gather under the inelegant moniker, Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), has populated the online digital field for years. As for using mediation, which is thought of as so reliant upon personal cajoling and persuasion, it has, against expectation, found considerable success in the online world, in some areas of dispute. Which does augur well for its use in IP disputes.
June 4, 2020
Young Practitioners: Problem Solving During COVID-19
Until recently for young intellectual property professionals, learning their craft was much like walking down a well-worn path. Common strategies for dealing with obstacles encountered included asking mentors and peers, referring to industry guidelines or commentary, and following precedents and past practices that have proven successful.
June 3, 2020
Protecting Confidential Information in the Remote Working Environment
The restrictions on workplaces resulting from provincial emergency orders and the need to physically distance have created a myriad of challenges for employers. Chief among these challenges is setting up or operationalizing remote working for employees.
May 21, 2020
The COVID-19 Impact on Brand Owners and a Changing Counterfeit Space
Global companies are pivoting production lines to help address an increased need for personal protective equipment (PPE) in Canada. These efforts exemplify integrity and willingness to work towards a greater good. However, there has been no shortage of bad actors looking to profit in this crisis.
May 15, 2020
Tips & Tricks For Managing IP Risks Associated With Mobile Devices During COVID-19
Organizations are now accepting BYOD as the new “normal”. Some may fail, however, to appreciate the risks that can arise with an employee’s use of their mobile device. To address these risks, organizations should review, update and revise accordingly the remote access, security and other policies in response to the increased use of personal mobile devices that access an organization’s information technology.
May 11, 2020
Intellectual Property (IP) Best Practices in the Time of COVID-19
The global impact of COVID on the economy and every day life is spurring efforts to find solutions to the current COVID-19 pandemic. Innovative Canadian technology companies, either existing or pivoting in the health care space, are being fueled by funding and investment opportunities and responding to urgent demands in the marketplace.
May 4, 2020
Canadian Trademarks Opposition Practice During and After the COVID-19 Crisis
The Canadian Registrar of Trademarks, Commissioner of Patents and the Minister responsible for the Industrial Designs Act have “designated” the time-period running from March 16, 2020 up to and including May 15, 2020.
April 21, 2020
Extraordinary Circumstances Part II: The Impact of COVID-19 on Canadian Trademarks
What happens to a trademark when COVID-19 prevents a trademark owner from using the trademark in the normal course of business?
April 20, 2020
Young Practitioners Working from Home During the COVID-19 Pandemic – Ways to Stay Involved
By now you have probably encountered a plethora of articles that discuss how to work remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic. Experimenting with different aspects of your routine is one way to determine what does and doesn’t work for you.