AT OUR CLUB September 27, 2022
President Brian Walmark presided at our second, very well received hybrid meeting at the Lakehead University Barkley Conference Centre (with thanks to Rotarian Mark Tilbury of LU).
There were several notable guests in person and on zoom, headlined by our recently arrived Rotary Exchange student Manatsanan Sirichaikeereekosol (aka Fern), from Thailand and guest speaker Ron Dimock Intellectual Property lawyer of renown.
Fern was introduced by Rotarian host parents John Stephenson and Marg Woods. She is pictured with her birthday cake (18th today!) sitting beside Rotaractors Devin and Asia. She spoke briefly to thank everyone and promised to brave the cold that she has been (unexpectedly) challenged by.
FEATURE PRESENTATION
Ron Dimock, (appearing via Zoom) is a highly respected Intellectual Property (IP) litigator (dubbed the "Guru of IP Law" in Canada). Over 40 years he has successfully litigated numerous cases in IP, some highlights explored in detail today, clearly educating members and guests in this fascinating area of law.
The basics were first explained: What is IP? The three key foci are: Patents, Trademarks and Copyright.
Ron commenced with the story of his first major Patent Trial: Xerox v IBM: (involvement of infringement of 7 patents in xerography). Many other interesting cases involved such areas in dispute involving windsurfers, coronary artery stents, Lithium ion batteries and many more.
His favourite case involved the building block toy for kids (and adults): LEGO v Mega Blocks, similar but different because of Trademarks and interpretations in law. The case went all the way on appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada, where the judges ruled in favour of Mega Block! It was quipped that the appellant in the end did not have 'a LEGO to stand on'!
Ron's address was fascinating, compelling and highly instructive. He was introduced and thanked by his old Queens University buddy and room mate Kevin Holloway.
Full Power Point link attached:
BUSINESS:
President Brian navigated through several important updates on volunteers for Board portfolios - thanks to all those who stepped forward. He and Shelley then put out an appeal for assistance for the folks on the maritime east coast (hurricane Fiona victims) with an impromptu pass the hat to win breakfast for four at Roosters which garnered an impressive intake of $635. That will be matched by the government through Canadian Red Cross for a total of $1270.00 (before Friday Sept 30th). Thanks to everyone who contributed. (For details contact Albert Brulé).
Updates on the successful Rotary golf tournament (Doug Shanks) and an appeal for transportation assistance for Fern's trip back from her orientation in Bemidji (via Duluth), were followed by fellowship.
The club is adjusting well to our new paradigm. And Fern will enhance our mission. Members are urged to get involved her in excursions and events.
President Brian Walmark presided at our second, very well received hybrid meeting at the Lakehead University Barkley Conference Centre (with thanks to Rotarian Mark Tilbury of LU).
There were several notable guests in person and on zoom, headlined by our recently arrived Rotary Exchange student Manatsanan Sirichaikeereekosol (aka Fern), from Thailand and guest speaker Ron Dimock Intellectual Property lawyer of renown.
Fern was introduced by Rotarian host parents John Stephenson and Marg Woods. She is pictured with her birthday cake (18th today!) sitting beside Rotaractors Devin and Asia. She spoke briefly to thank everyone and promised to brave the cold that she has been (unexpectedly) challenged by.
FEATURE PRESENTATION
Ron Dimock, (appearing via Zoom) is a highly respected Intellectual Property (IP) litigator (dubbed the "Guru of IP Law" in Canada). Over 40 years he has successfully litigated numerous cases in IP, some highlights explored in detail today, clearly educating members and guests in this fascinating area of law.
The basics were first explained: What is IP? The three key foci are: Patents, Trademarks and Copyright.
Ron commenced with the story of his first major Patent Trial: Xerox v IBM: (involvement of infringement of 7 patents in xerography). Many other interesting cases involved such areas in dispute involving windsurfers, coronary artery stents, Lithium ion batteries and many more.
His favourite case involved the building block toy for kids (and adults): LEGO v Mega Blocks, similar but different because of Trademarks and interpretations in law. The case went all the way on appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada, where the judges ruled in favour of Mega Block! It was quipped that the appellant in the end did not have 'a LEGO to stand on'!
Ron's address was fascinating, compelling and highly instructive. He was introduced and thanked by his old Queens University buddy and room mate Kevin Holloway.
Full Power Point link attached:
BUSINESS:
President Brian navigated through several important updates on volunteers for Board portfolios - thanks to all those who stepped forward. He and Shelley then put out an appeal for assistance for the folks on the maritime east coast (hurricane Fiona victims) with an impromptu pass the hat to win breakfast for four at Roosters which garnered an impressive intake of $635. That will be matched by the government through Canadian Red Cross for a total of $1270.00 (before Friday Sept 30th). Thanks to everyone who contributed. (For details contact Albert Brulé).
Updates on the successful Rotary golf tournament (Doug Shanks) and an appeal for transportation assistance for Fern's trip back from her orientation in Bemidji (via Duluth), were followed by fellowship.
The club is adjusting well to our new paradigm. And Fern will enhance our mission. Members are urged to get involved her in excursions and events.
