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Misleading Advertising is Risky
In the modern digital economy, consumer confidence can be especially valuable to a business so stretching the truth in advertising can be risky. Two recent cases show that misleading advertisements about QUALITY and SALE PRICE can have consequences. Public interest favours honest business practices.
8 Mar, 2017
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Photos on Social Media not \'Free\' for the Taking
The Quebec small claims court has provided a timely reminder that photographs posted on social media are not \"free\" for the taking. In law, ignorance is not an excuse. At the very least, the author should be recognized and some due diligence undertaken to obtain permission from the copyright owner
20 Feb, 2017
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Images of Currency in Advertising
Images of Canadian coins and bank notes CANNOT be freely reproduced in marketing and advertising materials. To avoid the risk of criminal and civil sanctions, it is advisable to seek permission from the appropriate authority BEFORE reproducing images of coins or bank notes for any purpose.
20 Jan, 2017
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ADVERTISING WITH ONLINE REVIEWS & ENDORSEMENTS: What are the Rules?
With the explosion of social media and online retailers, online reviews and endorsements have become an important tool for both consumers to research purchases and businesses to advertise. But when the line between independent reviews and advertisements is blurred, there can be legal consequences.
7 Nov, 2016
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Patents & the Doctrine of Promised Utility in Canada
In November, the Supreme Court will hear an appeal respecting the controversial “promised utility doctrine†that has recently threatened the validity of many patents issued in Canada. This article explains the controversy and its impact on international patentees like the pharmaceutical industry
26 Sep, 2016
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Youtube Exception is Subject to Conditions
This exception was introduced into the Canadian Copyright Act in 2012 for user-generated content that is derived from pre-existing works, like a \"mash-up\" of video clips from multiple sources. It is often forgotten that such content must satisfy a number of conditions to qualify for the exception.
19 Sep, 2016
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