Stay Ahead of the Game: Essential Updates on Canadian IP Law for Brand Owners in 2023

Toronto, Canada – On January 30th, 2024, Smart & Biggar’s Trademarks team will be hosting a webinar to deliver a comprehensive overview of Canadian intellectual property (IP) law from the previous year. This insightful event aims to equip brand owners with the knowledge of the latest laws, cases, and practice directions they should be aware of when conducting business in Canada. During the webinar, attendees will have the opportunity to hear from prominent speakers in the field. Kwan T Loh, Olivier Jean-Lévesque, Nora Labbancz, and Reagan Seidler will share their expertise, providing valuable insights and … Read more

Controversial North Carolina Law Sparks Confusion and Frustration Among Parents and Schools

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A recent law in North Carolina that aims to empower parents in their child’s education has generated frustration among both supporters and opponents of the legislation. Since the passage of the Parents’ Bill of Rights, different interpretations of the law by various schools have resulted in uneven implementation. This has sparked calls for clarity from state lawmakers. One of the main sources of controversy revolves around two sections of the law. The first requires schools to inform parents if their children request the use of a different name or pronoun with teachers … Read more

South Korea Enacts Landmark Law to Phase Out Dog Meat Industry by 2027

SEOUL, South Korea – South Korea has passed a law that aims to prohibit the sale and slaughter of dogs for their meat by 2027. The move comes in response to changing attitudes among the younger generation, who increasingly view dogs as family pets rather than a source of food. Dog meat stew, known as “boshintang,” has long been considered a delicacy for older generations, but its popularity has been waning. According to estimates, South Korea currently has approximately 1,600 dog meat restaurants and 1,150 dog farms. The new law will ban the raising, butchering, … Read more

Nationally recognized legal expert Professor Nora Freeman Engstrom delves into the intricacies of tort law and strives for a transparent, accessible, and equitable civil justice system

Palo Alto, California – Professor Nora Freeman Engstrom is an esteemed expert in tort law and legal ethics. With a focus on the day-to-day workings of the tort system, she examines its interaction with alternative compensation methods like no-fault automobile insurance and the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. Professor Engstrom’s extensive research also delves into trial practice, complex litigation, attorney advertising, and what she terms “settlement mills” – personal injury law firms that advertise heavily and process claims on a mass scale. In recent years, Engstrom’s projects have shifted toward improving access to justice. She explores … Read more