The Canadian government and European Union (EU) are currently negotiating a Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).  A key issue has been ensuring that Canadian intellectual property rights for pharmaceutical products are brought in line with EU standards.  It appears that the EU believes Canada’s legal regime regulating the approval of drugs does not provide […]

In a move with far reaching implications for the debates around pharmaceutical patents, innovation and access to medicines, the Indian patent office issued its first ever compulsory licence in the post TRIPS era. While health activists, generic manufacturers and several academics lauded the decision, the multinational pharmaceutical industry was up in arms.

In view of the recent Federal Court Order, the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) will now accept applications for sound marks. This groundbreaking decision arises in recognition of the nearly nineteen year legal conflict with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios (MGM) whom, after an appeal of a CIPO decision in 2010, have now acquired the right to trade-mark […]

In celebration of Canadian Music Week, the IP Osgoode Speaker Series presented a panel discussion on “Copyright and the Music Industry” on March 22, 2012  featuring Robert Levine and Dr. Brett Danaher. Levine spoke about the current state of copyright and the public discourse surrounding it. He argued the need for more effective enforcement mechanisms […]

Each year, IP Osgoode awards prizes for contributions to our website by students of Osgoode Hall Law School. These Prizes are generously sponsored by the law firm of Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP. All blogs submitted by Osgoode students (except IPilogue editors), that are published on the website, are also eligible to be considered for the Gowlings […]

The trademark registration of “arepa”, the name used to describe a traditional Venezuelan food, has generated significant debate and concern among Toronto’s Venezuelan community. Eduardo Lee, the owner to Toronto’s Arepa Café, registered “arepa” in April of 2011. After learning of the registration, members of Toronto’s Venezuelan community have expressed their concern over the ownership […]