For entrepreneurs and growing businesses, establishing a clear and recognizable presence in the marketplace is essential. One of the first steps in building a brand is selecting and protecting the right name.   This often involves choosing a corporate or business name, registering a trade name, securing a domain name, and where appropriate, obtaining trademark protection.   Although these concepts are closely related and may overlap, each serves a distinct legal and commercia

What is copyright? Is it similar to trademarks and patents? What does it protect and how long is protection afforded? Should I register my work? Does registration provide certain advantages? These are questions I receive from clients often and this article will serve as a basic guide to copyright law in Canada. What Is Copyright? Copyrights are different from trademarks (protection of words, logos and slogans used to distinguish the goods and services of one party from those

The most successful businesses are those that maintain brand recognition and reputation with their customers. Customers tend to purchase goods and services that are regularly associated with a particular name, design, logo, slogan or any combination thereof. The first step in gaining brand recognition and reputation is to use your trademark in commerce. Businesses will spend tens of millions of dollars a year in marketing and advertising, to maintain a particular image and go