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What is a Metatag? Can Claims Be Asserted For Their Misuse?
A metatag is a computer code included on a website that is invisible to an individual but which enables a search engine or a web browser...
John McKeown
Aug 10, 20213 min read


Pop-Up Advertisements and Mouse Trapping
Pop-up Advertisements Pop-up advertisements are used to catch consumer’s attention. A pop-up advertisement is a window not initiated by a...
John McKeown
Jul 19, 20212 min read


TikTok Sued Concerning Inappropriate Use of a Voice
A recent lawsuit filed against TikTok in the United States raises interesting issues concerning the rights of individuals providing...
John McKeown
Jul 19, 20214 min read


What is a Statutory Claim for Passing Off?
The common law cause of action for passing off has a lengthy history. The claim has evolved to take into account changing commercial...
John McKeown
Jul 19, 20215 min read


How to Prove Bad Faith
A recent decision of the English High Court provides additional insight into the meaning of “bad faith" in a trademark context and the...
John McKeown
Jul 19, 20215 min read


Protecting Your Business Against Criticisms and Gripe Sites In A Digital World (Part II)
Once it is decided that it is necessary to take steps, there are numerous possible courses of action. However, care needs to be taken...
John McKeown
Jun 4, 20212 min read


The Trials and Tribulations of Weak Trademarks
A recent decision of the Federal Court dealt with entitlement to the trademark SMART CLOUD and its lack of inherent distinctiveness....
John McKeown
May 17, 20214 min read


Who Owns Copyright in the Works Created by Employees?
The decision of the English High Court of Justice raises some interesting issues concerning the ownership of copyright works created by...
John McKeown
May 17, 20213 min read


Breach of Confidence and the New Employer
A decision of the English Court of Appeal allowed a claim for breach of confidence against the “new” employer who obtained possession of...
John McKeown
May 17, 20213 min read


Criticism or Gripe Sites
There have been a number of cases both in the courts and under the UDRP and CDRP involving parody sites or sites for critical commentary....
John McKeown
May 7, 20212 min read


Honest Concurrent Use
The plaintiff (“Bentley Clothing”) is the owner and exclusive licensee of three trademarks consisting of the word BENTLEY registered for...
John McKeown
Apr 11, 20214 min read


An Opponent Needs to Carefully Consider the Evidence to be filed with the Trademark Opposition Board
It can be difficult to determine what evidence to file to support the opposition. At an early stage, the issues may be difficult to...
John McKeown
Apr 11, 20214 min read


Notable Trademark Decisions in 2020
2020 has been a difficult year for trademark owners and their advisors. The pandemic has tested us all in profound and unexpected ways....
John McKeown
Apr 11, 20217 min read


Protecting Fashion Goods in Canada
A decision of the English High Court, [2020] EWHC 3032 recently released, shows how protection can be obtained for fashion goods....
John McKeown
Apr 11, 20215 min read


The Importance of Obtaining a Trademark Registration
A decision of the Federal Court of Appeal, released on December 9, 2020, Group III International Ltd. v. Travelway Group International...
John McKeown
Apr 11, 20213 min read


Licensing Trademarks
A decision of the British Columbia Court of Appeal [2020] BCCA 323 raises concerns regarding trademark licensing. Basic Requirements To...
John McKeown
Apr 11, 20214 min read


Misuse of confidential Information and More
A decision of the UK Court of Appeal, [2020] EWCA Civ 1300 released in October clarifies the rights relating to breach of confidence and...
John McKeown
Apr 11, 20214 min read


Federal Court of Appeal Confirms that Trademark Services Should Be Liberally Construed
A recent decision of the Federal Court of Appeal [2020 FCA 134] has confirmed a trial decision [2018 FC 895] which considered the concept...
John McKeown
Apr 11, 20216 min read


Trademark Infringement Concerning an App
A recent decision of a Judge of the English High Court [2020] EWHC 713 provides a possible approach to the enforcement of trademark...
John McKeown
Apr 11, 20214 min read


Trademark Use by an Affiliate
A recent decision of the Federal Court of Appeal clarifies when the use of a trademark by an affiliate of the trademark owner accrues to...
John McKeown
Apr 11, 20213 min read
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