Source: https://www.millerthomson.com/en/our-people/aiyaz-alibhai/
Timestamp: 2019-04-25 13:17:16+00:00

Document:
Aiyaz Alibhai is a professional engineer and a partner with Miller Thomson LLP. Aiyaz’s practice focuses on all aspects of intellectual property, strategic governance, data protection and privacy law and complex litigation. He regularly advises boards of directors and senior management on corporate board governance and policies for oversight of intellectual property and information technology projects, cyber security risks, as well as executive employment and compensation agreements, transitions and terminations. In addition, Aiyaz has experience assisting clients in developing IP strategy and positioning that strategy to gain a competitive advantage. Prior to a career in law, Aiyaz designed aircraft and jet engines. He brings his scientific and creative skills for a practical and results oriented approach to complex legal issues.
Aiyaz has extensive experience advising clients on brand protection and preparing domestic and international trademark and copyright registrations and manages international portfolios, including coordinating foreign associates for foreign application prosecution. His work encompasses structuring and negotiating contracts for complex technology projects, IT agreements, intellectual property and technology licensing, e-commerce and consumer law issues.
A leader in his field, Aiyaz negotiates and drafts agreements relating to IP assets, such as license agreements, confidentiality agreements, research and collaboration agreements. He assists with IP due diligence, landscape, infringement and freedom to operate evaluations. He is well versed in data protection laws, and regularly advises clients on data protection compliance.
In addition to his involvement with the firm’s largest and most complex intellectual property cases, Aiyaz is very experienced in IP litigation and arbitration proceedings. His practice involves protection and enforcement of IP rights, corporate fraud asset recovery, breach of confidence and fiduciary duties, and commercial litigation. Aiyaz has experience in Temporary Restraining Orders, Anton Piller Orders (evidence preservation), Norwich Orders (third party disclosure of records), and Mareva Injunctions (freezing assets).
As an active member of the IP legal community, Aiyaz is a regular presenter to conferences and seminars dealing with protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights, block chain technology and cyber security, and role of Boards and General Counsel in managing IP issues.
After obtaining his law degree, Aiyaz clerked with the British Columbia Supreme Court, and later practiced litigation and employment law with a national firm. He later was a managing partner with a national boutique intellectual property law firm.
Advised clients, negotiated and prepared agreements for commercial and licensing transactions with international corporations relating to information technologies, outsourcing, electronic commerce and mobile banking, and wireless telecommunications.
Advised clients in technology and software industries on the development and implementation of intellectual property strategies on technology transactions and due diligence investigations, including risk management and clearance opinions for intellectual property issues.
Advised companies on the effect of data protection laws and protection of privacy in cross-border transactions and licensing, including the effect of export controls on technology transfer.
Negotiated and prepared technology and licensing agreements with leading big data companies, including Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Cloudera, Oracle, and SAP.
Conducted due diligence of intellectual property assets, and prepared technology transfer agreement for a university involving robotics in regard to selling a research company developing methods and procedures for robotic surgery.
Provided patent infringement and validity opinions to wireless companies and leading LED companies regarding wireless telecommunications standards and LED technology, respectively.
Provided copyright opinions regarding rights of famous authors and infringement of university works, and developed and intellectual property policy for an international university.
Counselled health authorities and commercial entities on defamation issues relating to board members and postings by anonymous persons on a website.
Counselled leading software and technology companies on employment and termination policies, including the protection of intellectual property rights. Prepared employment contracts for technology personnel.
Counselled senior executives on employment matters, and negotiated executive employment and compensation and option agreements.
U.S. Philips Electronics v. Maple Technologies Ltd. et al. (Cal. Dist.) Instructed and coordinated US attorneys for the defendant in US Federal Court proceedings in alleged patent infringement case involving optical discs technology.
Color Kinetics Incorporated v. TIR Systems Ltd. (U.S. District Court of Massachusetts) Acted for the defendant in a patent infringement case involving LED technology. Case successfully settled following acquisition of both parties by Philips. Represented the Defendant TIR Systems and later Philips.
Advanced Biotechnologies Ltd. v. Simport Plastics Ltd. (F.C.) Successfully represented the plaintiff in an action for infringement of an industrial design and obtained settlement.
Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. v. Gold Light Digital Media International Inc. (F.C.) Represented the defendants in a patent infringement case involving optical discs technology.
Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. v. Maple Technologies Ltd. (F.C.) (BCSC) Represented Maple Technologies Ltd. as a defendant in alleged patent infringement case involving optical discs technology and as a plaintiff in a related Provincial Court action for Breach of Contract.
Color Kinetics Incorporated v. TIR Systems Ltd. (U.S. District Court of Massachusetts) (Fed. Ct) Represented the defendant TIR Systems Ltd. in Canadian Federal Court and coordinating with US attorneys for the defendant in US Federal Court proceedings in alleged patent infringement case involving LED technology. Successfully settled.
Cryocor, Inc. and AMS Research Corp. and Cryocath Technologies, Inc. (Fed Ct.) Successfully positioned defendant for sale in resolution of medical device case.
Galaxy Plastics Ltd. et al. v. Le-Ron Plastics Inc. (F.C.) (BCSC) Represented the plaintiffs in action for impeachment of a patent in the Federal Court and an action for interference in economic relations in the Superior Court, leading to a settlement of all claims and licensing arrangement.
Gerhard Reichert and others. v. Lauren International Inc. (Ont. Ct. of Appeal) (application to S.C.C. denied) Represented the applicant in a contract interpretation dispute as to royalty payment provisions.
Peak Innovations Inc. v. Produits Pylex Inc. and Pierre Charette (F.C.) Represented the defendants in an action for alleged industrial design infringement. Represented and resolved a matter involving the defendants in an action for alleged industrial design infringement.
Jiwani et. al. v. Grimm et. al. (BCSC). Successfully represented the plaintiffs and obtained settlement in a matter involving trespass to land and wrongfully cutting the plaintiffs’ trees.
The Friendly Stranger Corporation v. Avalon Sunsplash Ltd. (F.C.). Represented the defendant in three appeals from successful decisions of the Trademark Opposition Board rejecting the plaintiff’s trademark applications.
Retrotec Energy Innovations Ltd. v. Wayne Doucette, Glen Birks et. al. (BCSC). Represented the plaintiff and obtained an interim injunction restraining the defendants from disclosing confidential information.
Atlantis Scientific Inc. v. Keyhole, Inc. (Ont. Gen. Div.) Represented the plaintiff in trademark litigation and successfully obtained an injunction in favour of the plaintiff. Matter settled subsequently by the Defendant ceasing use of the plaintiff’s mark.
Canadian Olympic Committee et al. v. Teepee Handicrafts Ltd. et al., (F.C.) Trademark Infringement. Successfully negotiated a discontinuance.
Canadian Private Copying Collective v. First Choice Recording Media Inc. (F.C.) Represented the defendant in a dispute over copyright levies and interest owed.
CPCC v. Enviro Data Products Inc. (Copyright Bd.) (F.C. Application for Judicial Review–Board Decision Overturned). Successfully represented the defendant in action before the Copyright Board for payment of alleged levies owed.
Disney Enterprises, Inc. et al. v. Cana Wholesaler Inc. (F.C.) Successfully represented the defendant in an action for trademark infringement.
E3 Works International v. Verbatim Corporation (F.C.) Represented plaintiff in action involving trademark, industrial design, and copyright infringement. Settled in favour of plaintiff.
E3 Works International Inc. v. The Business Depot Ltd. dba Staples, E3 Works International Inc. v. Intertan Canada Ltd. dba RadioShack, E3 Works International Inc. v. Best Buy Canada Ltd. et al., E3 Works International Inc. v. Grand & Toy Limited. Represented the plaintiff E3 Works International Inc. in copyright and industrial design claims against individual corporations. Action discontinued in plaintiff’s favour as result of a settlement with Verbatim Corporation involving a license of the intellectual property rights.
Fleming Management Ltd. et al. v. Yowza Digital Inc. dba Switch VFX (F.C.) Currently representing the defendant in a trademark passing off action.
OK Tekstil San.Ve Tic. Ltd. v. 2688646 Canada Inc. Doing Business As Comme Les Copains (F.C.) Represented the plaintiff in a trademark action. Settled in favour of plaintiff with assignment by the defendant of all trademarks in suit to the plaintiff.
Versaly Games Inc. v. Jeux Hexacto Inc. (F.C.) Represented the plaintiff in copyright infringement of software. Settled in favour of the plaintiff.
CPCC v. Enviro Data Products Inc. (Copyright Bd.) (F.C.) Application for Judicial Review–Board Decision Overturned). Successfully represented the defendant in action before the Copyright Board for payment of alleged levies owed.
Government of the Unites States of America et al. v. Commissioner of Patents (June 23, 2005), Federal Court File No. T-1995-04 (F.C.). Successfully represented the applicants in having the patent restored in good standing following a decision by the Commissioner of Patents to refuse national phase entry into Canada.
Harry O. Wicks v. The Commissioner of Patents (F.C.) (FCA) Represented the applicant for the reinstatement of a patent application relating to rail cars.
Antiballistic Security and Protection Inc. v. The Commissioner of Patents (F.C.) (FCA) Represented the applicant, Antiballistic Security and Protection Inc. in an application to overturn a decision by the Commissioner of Patents.
Opposition against CA TM No. 1,229,899 EVOLVE NURTURING VITALITY & Design by Evolve Family Wellness Centre (TMOB). Successfully represented the trademark applicant Dr. Shamira Rahim Chiropractic Corporation dba Evolve Wellness Centre. Action was resolved by settlement and the trademark was registered.
Opposition against CA TM No. 1,236,897 EVOLVE NURTURING VITALITY by Evolve Family Wellness Centre (TMOB). Represented trademark applicant Dr. Shamira Rahim Chiropractic Corporation dba Evolve Wellness Centre. Action was resolved by settlement and the trademark was registered.
Opposition against CA TM No. 1,159,574 for DIGITAL VINYL by E3 Works International Inc. (TMOB) Our representation of the opponent E3 Works International Inc. led to the withdrawal of the trademark by the applicant, Pioneer Corporation.
Opposition against CA TM Numbers 1,157,428; 1,171,481 and 1,171,482 by Avalon Sunsplash Ltd. (TMOB). Successfully represented the opponent before the Trade-marks Opposition Board in preventing the registration of the three trademarks by a third party.

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