Tag Archives: licensing

IP Protection in the Artemis Era: Will Rights be Lost in Space?

Nebula Abstract background

One clear objective of Nasa’s Artemis missions is to bring about a permanent presence on the Moon that will include commercial and industrial projects. The potential for commercial and industrial activity on the moon is well-known. The range is vast, including the extraction of oxygen from lunar debris (regolith), solar farming, the extraction of hydrogen and water, the extraction of minerals (including critical minerals) and their use as building materials. Activities on the moon are seen as key to paving the way to human presence on Mars, including by having certain resources already present on the moon to facilitate their use and transport at a lesser cost to Mars. 

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Trademark Owners and Franchisors Beware: in Milano Pizza Ltd. v. 6034799 Canada Inc., Lack of Licensor Control Leads to Invalidation of Trademark

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In its recent Milano Pizza Ltd. v. 6034799 Canada Inc. decision, the Federal Court ordered the expungement of a trademark registration because the plaintiff did not exercise sufficient control over the use of the trademark by its licensees. This decision provides a helpful reminder of the dangers of relying on verbal agreements instead of written trademark licenses, and the need for trademark owners to maintain control over their licensees.

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Bill C-218 receives royal assent: the legalization of single-event sports betting in Canada

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Canadian provinces will soon be tasked with the regulation of single-event sports betting. On June 29, 2021, Bill C-218, entitled An Act to amend the Criminal Code (sports betting) (“Bill C-218”), received royal assent. Once the amendments come into force, provincial governments and licensed persons will have the option of lawfully offering bets on races, fights, single sport events, and athletic contests.[1] The amendments have the potential to generate additional revenue for provinces and increase protections for consumers.

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