Intellectual Property for Solicitors - 2010 Update


Course Date: November 9, 2010

Welcome and Introduction

Bradley J. Freedman — Borden Ladner Gervais LLP, Vancouver

Intellectual Property—A Primer

  • comparisons and contrasts: patent, trade-mark, copyright, and trade secrets
    • how created
    • length of existence
    • scope of protection offered
    • strengths and weaknesses
  • default rules of ownership upon creation of IP

Jennifer Brough — Bull, Housser & Tupper LLP, Vancouver

Networking Break

Non-disclosure Agreements and Confidentiality Provisions in Commercial IP Agreements

  • the role of non-disclosure agreements in commercial transactions—when do you need one? 
  • what is “confidential information”?
  • the obligation of confidence—what does it really mean?
  • remedies for breach of confidentiality obligations
  • beware the “standard form” confidentiality clause or non-disclosure agreement
  • the impact of freedom of information legislation on non-disclosure agreements signed by public bodies
  • advising your client on developing internal processes to ensure compliance with non-disclosure obligations to third parties

Brock H. Smith — Clark Wilson LLP, Vancouver

Acquiring and Protecting Intellectual Property in an Ongoing Business

  • why intangible assets are the core value of almost every business
  • why an IP strategy is essential to all clients
  • value that clients might be losing and potential risks that clients are exposed to—and probably don’t know it!
  • brand related issues
  • demystifying some IT topics that affect most clients

Matthew D. Peters — McCarthy Tetrault LLP, Vancouver

Lunch (on your own)
 
Intellectual Property in a Large Transaction

  • representations, warranties, and indemnities
  • due diligence

Douglas G. Copland — Borden Ladner Gervais LLP, Vancouver

Technology Transactions: Key Issues

  • negotiation objectives and strategies
  • some key provisions—definitions, licence grant, specifications, and schedules
  • proprietary rights
  • risk allocation—indemnities, limitations/exclusions, and other remedies
  • post term rights and obligations

Bradley J. Freedman — Borden Ladner Gervais LLP, Vancouver

Networking Break

Taxation Issues

  • acquisition and development
  • sale and exploitation (including international transactions)
  • know-how
  • software

Luke Mlynarczyk — Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP, Vancouver