Wise Insights

Burgers and Fries with a Side of a Trademark Lawsuit

In-N-Out, the popular California burger chain, sued Puma for trademark infringement. Why would a sports apparel retailer initiate an IP battle against a fast food chain?

Puma collaborated with streetwear designer Mike Cherman and released sneakers branded ‘Cali-0 Drive Thru’ and ‘California Drive Thru’. The sneakers were simple white leather low-tops with a red trim on the bottom and laces with a palm tree pattern.

Madrid Protocol: The Need for a Canadian Trademark Agent

Now that Canada is the 104th member of the Madrid System, it is integral that non-Canadian business owners understand the importance of retaining the appropriate Canadian trademark practitioner for their matter. Wises has the capacities of both a trademark lawyer and registered trademark agent, offering you a full range of trademark services.

From Taco Tuesday to Sunday Brunch, restaurants fight over trademarks

Foodie trademark law is a brutal world, in which even the most basic culinary gimmick has probably already been claimed and protected by unforgiving law, from the “Ham N’ Egger” to “Eggs Benny.”

News that a large restaurant franchise conglomerate has threatened a small Tex-Mex cantina in Calgary with a lawsuit for illegally using the trademark “Taco Tuesday” has shone a rare light into the murky world of intellectual property law for foodies.

Location, Location, Location – The issue of descriptiveness in Canadian Trademark Applications

Can you register the name HOLLYWOOD for films and entertainment services? What about MUNICH for beer and pretzels? A resident of Haliburton recently registered the trademark HALIBURTON in association with various goods, causing much debate and controversy amongst the local government officials – particularly in light of recent case law in Canadian trademark law.

Technicalities Matter – Disclosure Requirements in Ontario

Before a franchisor signs up a new franchisee, it must disclose information about the franchise system and business in a disclosure document. Franchise law in Ontario places strict requirements on the contents, form and timing of disclosure. Failure to provide a disclosure document as required by the Arthur Wishart Act (Franchise Disclosure) (the “Act”) can lead to devastating consequences for a franchisor – including the exercise of the franchisee’s right of rescission.