About IP Osgoode

IP Osgoode is an independent voice that explores legal governance issues at the intersection of intellectual property (IP) and technology. The program’s researchers, collaborators, and students actively engage in some of the most important and cutting-edge IP law and technology related research and policy discussions of today.


Latest from IPilogue

Commentary and analysis on the latest developments in intellectual property, technology and privacy, featuring curated contributions from students, scholars, and experts within the Osgoode community.

More Than a "Bit" of Win for Australian ISP

Jun 1, 2012 1 min read
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Previously cited as "the case that could shut down the internet", Roadshow Films Pty Ltd v iiNet Ltd [2012] HCA 16 (commonly known as AFACT v iiNet or the iiTrial) concluded with a unanimous decision from the Australian High Court ruling that the iiNet, an internet service provider, was not liable for copyright infringement from […]

Trade Mark Cluttering, Messy Policy

Jun 1, 2012 1 min read
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A recent report by the UK Intellectual Property Office [IPO] draws attention to trade mark cluttering. Trade mark cluttering occurs “where firms hold trade marks that are overly broad or unused raising search costs for later applicants.”

Breakthrough: Canadian Scientists Discover Old Drug May Kill Cancer Stem Cells

May 29, 2012 1 min read
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A team of Hamilton scientists at the Stem Cell and Cancer Research Institute (SCC-RI) of McMaster University have made a breakthrough discovery (reported by CTV here) with the potential to significantly impact future cancer treatment, and provide new hope for people living with cancer including tens of thousands of Canadians. Published in last Thursday’s edition […]

Government Grants Create Academic/Public/Private/Non-Profit Research Partnerships: Congratulations Prof D’Agostino and her Team

May 29, 2012 1 min read
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On Friday May 25th, the Government of Canada announced a series of investments that seeks to create research partnerships among the academic, public, private and not-for-profit sectors. The effort will be conducted by the Federal Government through grants administered through the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC).

It’s Official: Functionality is Uncopyrightable, Says the European Court of Justice

May 27, 2012 1 min read
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In November 2011, the Advocate-General of the European Court of Justice (ECJ), Yves Bot, issued an influential but non-binding legal opinion, positing that the functional aspects of computer programs should not be protected under copyright law. To do so would be against the interests of fair dealing, by preventing decompilation and reverse engineering, among other […]

Village People Crooner’s “Macho Macho” Song Rights Held Up in Court

May 25, 2012 1 min read
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In a long-anticipated court ruling on May 9th, a California judge upheld former Village People lead singer Victor Willis’s right to reclaim ownership of hit songs such as “YMCA” and “In the Navy.” Early last year, Willis invoked an amendment of United States copyright law which deals with inalienable “termination rights” with respect to recordings […]

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