What Nova Scotia employers need to know about province’s updated workplace harassment legislation
By Julius Melnitzer | October 19, 2025 Nova Scotia’s government is formally recognizing workplace harassment as a health and safety issue with the introduction of new regulations to its Occupational Health and Safety Act. “All employers in Nova Scotia have an obligation to ensure workers’ health and safety — and that obligation now specifically includes a duty […]
Federal Circuit Provides First Guidance on AIA Derivation Proceedings
By Julius Melnitzer | October 16, 2025 The Board focused on who had been first-to-invent as opposed to who was first-to-conceive – Joshua Spicer The United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit has issued its first decision relating to derivation proceedings under the America Invents Act (AIA). These proceedings, litigated at the Patent Trial […]
When Your Property is Vacant, It’s Not Really Empty — The Hidden Risks Owners Overlook
By Krystalynn Singh | October 13, 2025 For many property owners, a vacant unit feels like little more than lost income. No tenants, no rent — but also no noise, no complaints, and no hassle. At first glance, an empty property might even feel like a break. The truth is far different. In Ontario, when […]
The world of uncivil litigation
By Marcel Strigberger | October 9, 2025 Can hotheads keep lawyers busy? A 50ish gentleman visited a restaurant with his son in Seville, Spain. They ordered two sandwiches. Dad asked for mayo. Waiter said they were out. This did not sit well with Dad. He left, returned with a bottle of gasoline, and set the bar […]
Partnership – Not the Holy Grail, Part Seven: One Size Does Not Fit All
Photo by Pexels By Murray Gottheil | October 7, 2025 We all know people in wonderful marriages. We also know people in terrible marriages. Sometimes we attribute this to them having been so desperate to have a life partner that they rushed into things without taking the time to get to know their partner, or even […]
Why Every Small Business Owner Should Care About Property Law
By Krystalynn Singh | October 6, 2025 For entrepreneurs, signing a commercial lease is often an exciting milestone. It means growth, stability, and a new home for their business. But behind the excitement, commercial property agreements are full of hidden clauses that can cause headaches—or even financial ruin—if overlooked. Many small business owners assume that […]
Invention Harvesting: How to Fully Tap Your Company’s IP Potential
“Invention harvesting is the first step in obtaining patent protection” – Nicholas Aitken Tapping the full creative potential of its innovators, or invention harvesting, is the golden nugget for companies seeking to build strong patent portfolios. “If intellectual property [IP] is a valuable asset for a company—which it is these days for many—invention harvesting is a […]
Understanding the Development Divide: An IP Problem or a Technology Problem?
By Julius Melnitzer | October 2, 2025 In my view, it’s technological capacity, not IP protection, that’s at the heart of the development divide – Francis Gurry Understanding and overcoming the “development divide” between developed and developing nations requires insight into the synergies between technology development and intellectual property (IP) protection. Arguably, a nation lacking […]
Recent Developments in AI (Animal Intelligence) and the Law
“If I could talk to the animals…” — Doctor Dolittle By Marcel Strigberger | October 1, 2025 Animal law? Have we come a long way from Noah? This cat came back. I speak of Nub Tang, a Bangkok tabby. She strayed, was rescued and taken to a police station. Ms. Tang, however, got a bit feisty with […]
The Hidden Legal Risks of Being a Landlord in Ontario — and How to Avoid Them
By Krystalynn Singh | September 30, 2025 For many Ontarians, investing in rental property seems like a straightforward way to generate income. But ask anyone who has appeared before the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB), and they’ll tell you the same thing: managing rental property is far more complex than it appears. While property ownership […]