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Intellectual
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CBA Intellectual Property Section

Articles are published by the Intellectual Property Section. Members interested in posting articles are encouraged to send them to the Section by email: CBAI_P@cba.org.

Today
Today

Case summary: Determining distinctiveness of marks

  • May 06, 2024
  • Aarzoo Mahajan

This is an appeal under section 56 of the Trademarks Act (the “Act”) by the Applicant, THI Canada Inc., of a decision of the Trademarks Opposition Board (“TMOB”), refusing THI’s opposition to the registration of a Trademark Application owned by the Respondent, King Rack Industrial Co., Ltd.

Intellectual Property

Case summary: The “Special Circumstances” exception for non-use of trademarks

  • May 06, 2024
  • Aarzoo Mahajan

This appeal is with respect to the AVIREX Mark owned by Centric. The Mark was expunged on August 26, 2022, in a decision by the Registrar, after issuing its Notice under section 45 of the Trademark Act. Centric appealed the decision with new evidence, including two affidavits, claiming special circumstances to excuse the absence of the use of the Mark.

Intellectual Property

Case summary: Award of costs against counsel personally denied

  • May 06, 2024
  • Shaun Cody

The underlying action was a patent infringement claim, which was struck by the Court on its own motion. The Court detailed various procedural Orders setting timelines which were repeatedly disregarded, leading to the Court issuing the Order proprio motu dismissing the action.

Intellectual Property