Course Introduction and Land Acknowledgement (9:00 – 9:10)
Christopher S. Wilson — Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP, Vancouver
The Evolution of Trade Secrets Under CUSMA (9:10 – 10:10)
What you need to know as a Canadian about trade secrets if there is a cross-border element to the dispute.
Mat Brechtel — Seastone IP LLP, Vancouver
BREAK (10:10 – 10:15)
Trademark Expungement, Oppositions, and "Bad Faith" Under the Amended Trademarks Act (10:15 – 11:15)
Recent Federal Court case law has established a high bar for what constitutes "bad faith" application for and registration of trademarks. This session will examine the standard established by the court, and practice points to be learned from the existing case law.
R. Nelson Godfrey — Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP, Vancouver
BREAK (11:15 – 11:25)
It's Not Forum Shopping, Really! (11:25 – 11:55)
Jurisdictional, strategic, and tactical factors shaping the decision on where to pursue intellectual property remedies within Canada.
Beverley Moore — Borden Ladner Gervais LLP, Ottawa
LUNCH (11:55 – 1:00)
Insights and Applications of Generative AI for Lawyers (1:00 – 1:45)
A Q&A session that will introduce GenAI and explore its integration into legal workflows, discussing mindset, practical use cases, and best practices while considering the capabilities and limitations of the technology. The session will also touch on Court Practice Directions and Bar Association guidelines.
Claire Mazzini — Corporate Counsel, Microsoft Canada, Montreal
BREAK (1:45 – 1:50)
Online IP Remedies (1:50 – 2:35)
A discussion ranging from the latest on site-blocking orders in Federal Court post-Equustek to practical tips on investigating, pleading, and obtaining remedies for online activities.
Christopher S. Wilson — Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP, Vancouver
BREAK (2:35 – 2:45)
Canadian Patent Litigation (2:45 – 3:35)
This session will explore several developments in Canadian patent litigation, including decisions on the overbreadth ground of invalidity, the independence of experts, limitation periods for infringement, file wrapper estoppel, and patent-agent privilege.
Andy Chow — MLT Aikins LLP, Vancouver
BREAK (3:35 – 3:45)
Territorial Competence and Forum Non Conveniens: A Case Study (3:45 – 4:15)
Analyzing the framework of the Court Jurisdiction and Proceedings Transfer Act in the context of parallel litigation over breach of confidence, conversion, and passing off claims in BC and California.
Aubin P. Calvert — Hunter Litigation Chambers, Vancouver
Closing Remarks (4:15 – 4:20)
Christopher S. Wilson — Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP, Vancouver