Colourful or Colourless? Protecting a Colour Trademark

During a never-ending road trip, you finally come across a sign that is red and yellow and you're starving!What comes to your mind? Most likely McDonalds!  Certain colours have gained recognition after a long period of use, such as the red and yellow colours used in the McDonalds logo, Tiffany's blue, or Starbucks Coffee's green
read more
Nice-Classes-Header

Determining Nice Classes for Trademarks in Canada

Since the CIPO's adoption of the Nice Agreement as of June 17, 2019, it is mandatory for trademark applicants to classify all goods and services under the Nice Classification system in accordance with the Trademarks Act. For those applying for a trademark for the first time, determining the appropriate class of goods and services for your brand can be a
read more
Standard clauses header

Don’t Overlook the Impact of Boilerplate Clauses in Your Contract

Standard clauses, also known as "boilerplate" provisions, are general contract provisions that may be found in various agreements. These standard clauses may increase efficiency, reduce time and money spent on drafting, and ensure consistency across agreements. However, sometimes standard clauses are included into contracts without due consideration of their legal effects. It is imperative that
read more
Brand Protection Beyond Trademarking

Brand Protection: Beyond Trademarking

  “Your brand is the single most important investment you can make in your business” – Steve Forbes   A strong brand is the backbone of any successful company. It shapes and dictates everything around the business – company values, vision and direction, operation and sales processes, marketing strategies, attracting investors, hiring talent, consumer trust,
read more
holding-company-featured-image

Should I Form a Holding Company For My Business?

According to the Key Small Business Statistics report by industry Canada, small businesses with 1-4 employees have a 60.5% survival rate and 5-19 employees have a 66.4 % survival rate in the first 5 years of operation. For those that continue to operate, part of their success can be accredited to efficient tax-planning initiated through
read more