The Complete Brief
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January 08, 2026
An update on copyright, industrial design and breach of confidence developments in 2025, part two
The past year has brought a wave of developments in copyright, industrial design and breach of confidence law, driven in part by the rapid evolution of generative AI and shifting regulatory landscapes. This is the second part of a two-part series of notable decisions, legislative trends and policy shifts shaping this environment in 2025.
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January 08, 2026
CIVIL PROCEDURE - Striking out pleadings or allegations - Failure to disclose a cause of action or defence
Appeal by Nazeer from decision of a judge striking his statement of claim against several government officials and Ombudsman staff. Nazeer alleged that the failure of his two businesses, one being a hotel in Theodore and the other a pizza restaurant in Foam Lake was caused by the refusal of the Government Defendants to allow him to recruit foreign workers under the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program.
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January 08, 2026
Camelot, Marilyn and the mirage of proof: A journalist’s blunder as blueprint for honest lawyering
Over the holiday break, I had the pleasure of watching the Netflix documentary Cover-Up, which explores the life and career of legendary investigative journalist and author Seymour Hersh. Hersh is known for exposing truths behind government veils. In this documentary, he is portrayed as a somewhat mercurial character, but nonetheless his deeply rooted humanity shows through.
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January 07, 2026
B.C. Court of Appeal overturns $12M intermediary fee in cattle ranch deal
The B.C. Court of Appeal has overturned a $12-million award to an intermediary in a cattle ranch acquisition, ruling that while the parties agreed on services and other terms, the absence of agreement on price defeated enforcement of an alleged oral contract.
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January 07, 2026
Ontario courts seek input on disability services
Ontario’s courts are seeking feedback on how to improve services for persons with disabilities. The Ontario Courts Accessibility Committee is asking individuals who have a disability and have used an Ontario courthouse to take a survey on their experience.
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January 07, 2026
McCarthy Tétrault announces 2026 partners
McCarthy Tétrault LLP has welcomed eight new equity partners and 16 new income partners, effective Jan. 1, 2026, according to the firm.
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January 07, 2026
Judge Simmons retires from Nova Scotia Provincial Court
The Honourable Ann Marie Simmons has retired from the Provincial Court of Nova Scotia following a legal career spanning nearly 40 years.
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January 07, 2026
Court finds judicial review of armed forces promotion case moot
The Federal Court has concluded that a judicial review application of a Canadian Armed Forces decision was moot, as the respondent agreed to a redetermination of the applicant’s grievance regarding denied eligibility to become sergeant.
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January 07, 2026
B.C. establishes restricted insurance agency licensing framework
On Dec. 18, 2025, the Government of British Columbia introduced the long-anticipated Restricted Insurance Agent Licence Regulation (Regulation). The Regulation establishes a restricted licensing framework (framework) for businesses that sell ancillary insurance products incidental to their primary business activities, such as add-on insurance offered in connection with the sale or rental of vehicles or electronics.
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January 07, 2026
Some new year’s thoughts on family law
“The more things change, the more they stay the same.” This famous saying attributed to the French writer Jean-Baptiste Alphonse Karr has been considered by many. Is it so simple? Does nothing really change or is it more thought-provoking: does superficial change often mask unchanging circumstances?