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Patent Prosecution Highways: Fast-Tracking International Patent Applications
The fundamental goal of the various PPH initiatives is to provide predictable and fast prosecution of patent applications and to mitigate the workloads of the national patent offices. This article provides a summary of the various PPH initiatives and explains how they improve upon on the PCT system.
28 Oct, 2015
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Circumventing \'Paywall\' = Copyright Infringement
Small claims court finds copyright infringement for circumventing the \"paywall\" for a web site publication and awards both compensatory and punitive damages.
20 Oct, 2015
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Astroturfing: Fake Online Reviews Result in $1.25 Million Penalty
Astroturfing is the practice of circulating fake endorsements of a business or product via the Internet. The practice is illegal and penalties can be substantial. Bell Canada recently agreed to a $1.25 million penalty for reviews and ratings posted on iTunes and Google Play by its employees in 2014
16 Oct, 2015
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Copyright in \'Happy Birthday to You\'
To the surprise of most, Warner/Chappel Music Inc. claims to own title to copyright in the lyrics for the song \"Happy Birthday to You\" and has, until recently, collected royalties for their use in film productions. However, this revenue stream MAY have finally been cut off by a California court.
24 Sep, 2015
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RESETTING THE COPYRIGHT BALANCE: Collective Societies & Tariffs
In light of recent Supreme Court decisions and Copyright Act amendments, many believe collective societies are asking to be paid for copies when no royalty should be due. This article summarizes these legal developments and how they were recently applied to approve a new tariff for Access Copyright.
3 Jul, 2015
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Legislative Amendments: Extending Time & Privilege
Under new federal legislation, (1) communications with patent and trademark agents are now confidential and protected the same way as those with a lawyer; and (2) extensions of time to file documents will now be granted by CIPO in the event of \"force majeure\" events like ice storms and blackouts.
26 Jun, 2015
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